Kindness Activities for Kids | Self Awareness Empathy X-Ray

Things that happen to us on the outside directly relate to how we feel on the inside. Studies show that when we are kind, our brains boost serotonin and dopamine to give us feelings of happiness, gratification and well-being. When we are mindful of ourselves and empathetic of others, we are more inclined to be kind and compassionate. The same is true for kids!

This kindness activity helps kids visualize how their actions, words and thoughts make themselves and others feel on the inside. Start by ensuring that everyone knows what an X-ray is and explain how X-rays help us to see what is happening on the inside of our bodies. For this activity, we will need three pieces of paper and either pens, markers, colored pencils or paints. Feel free to pre-draw the outline of a human body as well if that is helpful.

First, ask kids to create an X-ray image of how they feel in the present moment. Encourage them to be as creative as they want! Maybe their thoughts are made up of flowers, their hearts are big, red and shiny, and their tummies are filled with delicious snacks.

Next, on a new piece of paper, ask them to create an X-ray image of how they feel when someone is kind to them. Maybe their insides are filled with things like hearts, smiley faces, rays of sunshine or happy butterflies.

After that, on another, new piece of paper, ask them to make an X-ray image of what it looks like when their feelings are hurt. Perhaps their insides are muddy or filled with squiggly lines and sad faces. You can even take this exercise one step further and ask kids to create a fourth X-ray of what it looks like when they communicate their feelings to someone who understands or empathizes with them.

Throughout this kindness activity, empower kids to speak openly and honestly about the full breadth of what they feel in each scenario. The X-rays can even be cut out and used as characters to role play some of the scenarios discussed. Each exploration helps kids to gain a better perspective of their own feelings as well as the feelings of others.

Have fun, let loose and be creative! 

Supplies List

Three Pieces of Paper per Kiddo

Pens, markers, colored pencils or paints 

Steps

Step 1: Feel free to pre-draw the outline of a human body or print one prior to this activity. You will need three copies per kiddo.

Step 2: Ensure that everyone knows what an X-ray is and explain, if not. 

Step 3: Using the first piece of paper, ask kids to use markers, pens, paints, etc. to create an X-ray image of how they feel in the present moment. 

Step 4: On a new piece of paper, ask kids to create an X-ray image of how they feel when

someone is kind to them. 

Step 5: On another, new piece of paper, ask kids to make an X-ray image of what it looks like when their feelings are hurt. 

Step 6 (Optional): On a fourth piece of paper, ask kids to create an X-ray of what it looks like when they communicate their feelings to someone who understands or empathizes with them.

Step 7: Throughout this kindness activity, empower kids to speak openly and honestly about the full breadth of what they feel in each scenario.

Step 8 (Optional): Cut out the X-rays and use them as characters to role play some of the scenarios you discussed. 

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Source: Art of Social Work