For this activity, give every child a tube of toothpaste and a paper plate. Instruct them to squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube. Ask the children if they think there is any way to get the toothpaste back into the tube. Once they find out that the toothpaste can't be put back into the tube, tell them that, similarly, they can't take back hurtful words they say to another person.
Teach your children about the importance of helping others by having them volunteer. Pick one day on which they can volunteer at a non-profit organization, such as an animal shelter or homeless shelter. Volunteer work will teach them to be kind to everyone, including those who are less fortunate, and help build their self-esteem as well.
Instruct the children to trace one of their hands on a piece of paper. Once they are done, ask them to think of different ways to show kindness to others, such as letting a fellow student borrow a book, and have them write one idea on each finger of the traced hand. Have students present their hand drawings in front of the class.
This activity can help children understand how compliments can make others feel good. Divide the children into groups of four or five. Provide each group with a piece of paper, and ask them to tear it into small pieces, one for each child in the group. Instruct them to each write another child's name on the piece of paper and one positive trait that child possesses. When all the children are finished, collect the pieces of paper and read them in front of the class.