World Humanitarian Day is a great chance to teach children to care, help, and act. You can do this in a way that feels safe, hopeful, and age-appropriate without scary details. This guide shows child care providers and directors how to build a simple classroom “Kindness Crew” that practices #kindness, #community, and #service through small, meaningful projects.
What is a “Kindness Crew,” and why does it help children?
A Kindness Crew is just a friendly class team that looks for ways to help at school, at home, and in the community. It works because children learn empathy by doing.
When you practice kindness as a group, children can:
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Notice other people’s feelings
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Learn helpful words (“Are you okay?” “Can I help?”)
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Feel proud that they can make a difference
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Build positive habits that last
For ready-to-use ideas, start with this ChildCareEd resource: World Humanitarian Day Activities for Kids.
How do I plan simple World Humanitarian Day activities my class will love?
Choose 1–2 short activities that are easy to prepare. A great rule is: simple steps, simple supplies, and a clear “who we help” message.
Here are three classroom favorites:
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Kindness Cards (20–30 minutes)
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Children draw a picture and add a short message (you can write the words they say).
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Make a “Kindness Wall” in the classroom, or send cards home to families.
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Tip: If you donate cards to a community partner, confirm drop-off rules first.
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Story + Two Questions (15–20 minutes)
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Read a book about helping.
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Ask only two questions:
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“Who got help?”
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“How do you think they felt?”
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Keep answers short. Young children do better with quick, simple talk.
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Mini Service Project (30–45 minutes)
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Pick a non-food project that’s safe and low-cost (like drawings, simple hygiene items, or school supplies).
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Children help sort items into bags (with gloves if needed).
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Add a class note: “From the Kindness Crew.”
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If you want an activity list that already includes kid-friendly project ideas (like cards, care packages, and kits), use: World Humanitarian Day Activities for Kids.
How do I run a Kindness Crew week in 4 easy steps?
Use this simple plan to connect learning to action:
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1) Choose one local need
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Examples: welcoming new classmates, helping custodians, sending art to seniors, collecting basic supplies.
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2) Teach one big idea
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Pick one: empathy, fairness, cooperation, or gratitude.
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Use a short story or a role-play.
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3) Do the helpful action together
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Make cards, clean a play area, organize donations, or practice “helping jobs” in class.
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4) Reflect in one minute
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Ask one question: “How did it feel to help?”
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Let 1–2 children share. That’s enough.
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This is also a great time to strengthen your team’s social-emotional skills. These ChildCareEd trainings connect directly to kindness, empathy, and positive guidance:
How do short service projects teach real humanitarian values (without heavy topics)?
With young children, “humanitarian” should mean helping others and caring for our community—not learning hard details about disasters.
Short projects teach big values because children can actually see results:
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“I helped make the classroom nicer.”
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“I made someone smile.”
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“We worked together.”
Keep it concrete with phrases like:
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“Some people need extra help.”
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“We can be helpers.”
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“Small acts can make a big difference.”
Try quick, age-friendly examples:
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Toddlers: “Helping hands” day—practice gentle helping (handing out napkins, putting toys in bins).
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Preschool: Kindness cards + a class “thank you” poster for community helpers.
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School-age: Create a class kindness plan (roles like “supplies helper,” “note writer,” “sorter”).
How can I support children’s feelings when we talk about helping?
Some children may feel worried when they hear “people need help.” Your goal is to keep the message calm and hopeful.
Use these supports:
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Name the feeling
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“You look sad.”
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“It’s okay to feel worried.”
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Focus on helpers
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“When people have a hard time, helpers show up.”
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Offer a calm choice
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Quiet corner, drawing, play dough, or a book.
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Keep details simple
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You do not need to explain scary events.
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Stick to safe, general language.
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Common mistakes (and fixes)
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❌ Too much detail
✅ Keep it simple and hopeful. -
❌ No support after the talk
✅ Offer a calm space and check in later. -
❌ Doing a project with no reflection
✅ Ask: “How did it feel to help?”
For more ideas on teaching empathy through everyday routines, this ChildCareEd article fits perfectly: How Can We Teach Empathy, Kindness, and Cooperation Through Daily Routines?
How do I involve families and community partners in the Kindness Crew?
Family support makes kindness projects easier and it strengthens trust.
Invite families with a clear, simple note
Include:
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What you are doing (Kindness Crew for World Humanitarian Day)
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Why (building empathy and community)
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How they can join (pick 1–2 options)
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Any rules (no homemade food, label items, due date)
Offer easy ways to help
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Donate simple supplies (paper, crayons, envelopes)
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Write a short note about a “helper” in their family
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Volunteer for 10–20 minutes to prep materials
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Suggest a trusted community partner (library, senior center)
Choose safe partners
Pick places with clear drop-off rules. Keep all items appropriate and supervised.
If you want training on working with families in a supportive way, this course is a strong match:
How will I know the Kindness Crew worked?
You don’t need a big survey. Use simple signs of success:
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Child behavior: More sharing, helping, kind words, teamwork
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Participation: Families send notes, donate supplies, or talk about the project
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Reflection: Children can say one thing they did to help
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Staff notes: What was easy? What should change next time?
Conclusion + quick FAQ
A Kindness Crew is doable and powerful. Pick 1–2 short activities, connect action to learning, support children’s feelings, and invite families. Small acts add up—and they build a classroom culture of caring (#children).
Q: How long should activities be?
A: 20–45 minutes works well for most groups.
Q: What if a family doesn’t want their child to participate?
A: Offer an opt-out and provide an alternate classroom activity.
Q: Where can we find more World Humanitarian Day ideas for kids?
A: Use this ChildCareEd resource: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00825-world-humanitarian-day-activities-for-kids.html.
