The Kindness Elves

A few days ago, I mentioned that we were going to be adding a new tradition to our Elf on a Shelf routine.  I mentioned the Kindness Elves.  And then I didn't take the time to explain them very well.

Kindness Elves are similar to EotS in that they will visit every December.  But they are different in that they will be teaching about kindness and giving and the "spirit" of the season, rather than run around and make messes, like a certain little ....

Anyway, I first read about the Kindness Elves over here at The Educator's Spin On It.  I think I was hooked when they mentioned that one of their friends had the Kindness Elves teaching the Elf on the Shelf to be kind. 

Then, because I tend to forget all the really good ideas, we used a printable calendar to write down everything our elves will be doing this month, and we used quite a few of the ideas found at The Imagination Tree.  If I find the calendar, I'll come back and link up to it as well.

Okay, so now I need to add pictures.  Cause a picture is worth a thousand words, and otherwise, I'll talk your ear off.  Pictures!


Like I said, we wrote all of our plans out on the calendar.  I'm actually pretty excited that we're this well organized.  (By we, I mean Boo and myself.  Dale doesn't like to play.)

The Kindness Elves arrived Sunday morning.  Little Bit named them, and did a really good job.  They are named Hope and Joy.  Another difference is that she can pick these elves up.

 

 Today's job is to make a book bag for one of her friends.  You can find the exact "mission" at The Educator's Spin.  But Hope and Joy made Crystal a book to read.  It's called "How to be a Kindness Elf."

 

 On the inside, you can see Rule 1 is Don't make a mess.  Rule 2 is Use Polite Words please.

 

 

I can tell you that the kindness elves seem to be a hit, and I'm really glad we decided to add them in this year.  Oh, another thing I like is that the children have a choice on if they are going to follow the mission or not.  It's not a have to thing.  It's a teachable moment, and it's precious.

 

Hugs,

Melinda