Random Acts of Kindness Teach Lasting Lessons

February 26, 2024

In October of 2023, Butler Catholic School first grade teachers Manda Rensel and Brian Herlihy embarked on a special project: to teach their students all about random acts of kindness by giving them opportunities throughout the year to express it in different ways.

The lessons began small, with little acts of everyday courtesy and respectfulness.

“We started it in the classroom,” Mrs. Rensel said. “Just being kind to each other.”

Each time a student took the opportunity to express kindness—to a classmate, a sibling, a teacher, a friend—the project gained momentum. Soon, Mrs. Rensel and Mr. Herlihy’s students were participating in classroom efforts to share kindness far beyond school walls.

In October, they gathered snacks and goodies for local fighters and gave them thank you cards as part of Fire Prevention Month. In November, students made Fruits of the Holy Spirit cornucopias to give to residents of Newhaven Court.

In February, Mrs. Rensel and Mr. Herlihy’s class made heart-shaped note cards and butterflies to send the patients at Butler Hospital. They also worked together to organize a class blanket drive to send to patients who might need something cozy to hold onto during their stays.

The projects are not just teaching students about being kind. They also provide chances for them to learn about different groups in society that are sometimes overlooked.

“We do little mini lessons about the groups we’re helping,” Mrs. Rensel explained.

The project is a wonderful example of how making small differences every day can make a big impact on the world. Mrs. Rensel has noticed a change in the fifteen students ever since they started the project.

“Somebody will be struggling with something simple in class, like tearing out a workbook page,” she explained. “The kids will get up and help…without being asked!”

Students are not limiting their kindness to the classroom, either. Mrs. Rensel and Mr. Herlihy challenge them to be helpful at home and in their personal lives. Reminding them all year long how important it is to be respectful and kind means students are continuously learning how to be good people who can share their unique gifts with those around them.

“My belief is to instill that in them when they’re young,” Mrs. Rensel said. “I’ve always told them kindness goes a long way, and it’s free.”

Sometimes, Mrs. Rensel and Mr. Herlihy’s students get to hear how their kindness helped others. But often, they continue to work hard to make a difference without knowing how far their helpfulness has reached. Learning how to be humble and graceful will serve them throughout their lives.

“I couldn't be prouder of our class!” Mrs. Rensel added.