Today is World Kindness Day. In its honor, and in honor of my hero, Mr. Rogers, I will participate in #CardiganDay. It’s the least I could do for someone who’s played a significant role in shaping my approach in the classroom. I owe Mr. Rogers much, and I tried to articulate my deep debt to him in a post earlier this year, “Rediscovering Mr. Rogers”(http://www.letschangeeducation.com/rediscovering-mr-rogers/).

And though I think every day should be kindness day, I will be extra conscious today of that which goes beyond all divides (political, religious, racial, generational), that which carries little cost, that which delivers a big benefit: kindness, the most simple and most meaningful thing we can do for each other.

So, today, I challenge all to choose kindness. I will challenge my kids. I will challenge my readers. I will challenge myself. And then I will up the ante by challenging all to engage in kindness year round, even on our days–especially on our days–when we feel we’ve little to give. Kindness is a contagion. Kindness is a cure. Kindness is everything. Everything.

I will remember that today. I will live that today–try to live it every day–but especially today as I honor Mr. Rogers with my red cardigan. Thank you Mr. Rogers for all that you did and are still doing for humanKINDNESS.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…engaging in building-wide lessons focusing on school culture.

…Choosing a Champ (first time this year).

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy World Kindness Day, all.

Choose kindness. Today. Tomorrow. Always.