'remember that': Small Kindnesses Poems - The Chicago Poetry Center

‘remember that’: Small Kindnesses Poems

Students wrote and talked about kindness before reading the poem, ‘Small Kindnesses’ by Denusha Lameris. In crafting their own poems, students focused on one idea, one stanza, and small ways they have been kind or received kindness from others.

Lesson Note: Kindness has health benefits. Kindness not only feels good, but it can also boost the giver’s well-being. Studies show that when people are kind, they have lower levels of stress hormones and their fight-or-flight response calms down. For instance, when we see the person thank us or smile back, our brain a feel-good bonding hormone, which can increase trust and reduce fear and anxiety. Research also shows that giving directly to a person rather than contributing online seems to better unlock these emotional rewards. –Psychology Today

Ms. Romano 7th Grade

Small Kindnesses Lauren H.

Thinking about the way
when someone gives food to others
when you give hope to others
hugging others when they cry
thinking about how many crimes can go y
as we laugh, sigh, and cry
thinking about the way we help others
so we can have good times as our lives go
by.

Small Kindnesses Better Days Keith C.

Holding the door for
someone and better their day

Even a small kindness like moving
your legs to let them
through can better their day

Saying bless you or the
act of giving a pencil
can better a person’s day.

A small kindness can
better a person’s day
remember that.

Ms. Turner 6th Grade

My Kindness Brooklyn J.

I’ve been thinking about the way people
give food, so I start to do it

We should not fight or be mean; everybody has a
little kindness in them, you go to go
up to them and spread kindness

“I like your outfit.”

Kindness of Love Keenan

I’ve been thinking about when someone is
giving gifts or helping an old lady across the street.
Be kind; spreading love matters
Kindness is not just about helping others ________________
doing the right thing.

Ms. Romano 7th Grade

Kindness Around the World Payton E.

I’ve been thinking about the way
when I show kindness to someone
like giving compliments, or a silent head
nod. It is good to be nice, even if it’s a
simple smile being a nice person
can go a long way, so remember
be kind to everyone.

Girls Don't Cry Lianey H.

You don’t have to cry
You should walk
around with Pride
Kindness all over
the world I walk
around happy with
my curls

Ms. Turner 6th Grade

Being Kind Jacqson T.

I was thinking about the way
when I open the door for you
you smile
and say ‘thank you’

When you fall down, I lift you
up
in a few decades, people will
be glued to a phone and
be unkind to others.

Heart Garden Vaniyah

If you spend
time
sowing
growing
fields of flowers
in your heart
you will always
have a flower
to give to ones
in need.

How to get Kindness Back Chyna P.

I’ve been thinking about the way
to show kindness
I decided to hold the door for people
say, thank you. I give them fist bumps
and hugs and clapping when they do something.

In a few decades, we will be less
kind because of technology, phones, games
apples watches, tablets, computers and TVs.