K12 Kindness Month: How Words Matter

In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, WIVA is celebrating K12 Kindness Month this October. This is a celebration of our supportive school community, but it’s also a time to reflect on the power of our words and how they can shape the world around us.

Our words can encourage, uplift, and create connections with others—or they can hurt and divide us. By learning how to use our words to support others and ourselves, we set the tone for a community where every student feels safe and valued.

Build Each Other Up

The easiest way to start practicing kindness in your life is in the way you treat others. A kind word or a compliment can help strengthen your relationships with friends, family, and classmates—as well as build new friendships!

If you’re not sure where to start, the K12 Kindness Month toolkit has plenty of activities for students and parents to help incorporate positive words and actions into your daily life.

Speak to Yourself With Kindness

Treating others with empathy and respect can go a long way, but it’s important to be kind to ourselves as well. You can practice positive self-talk by using affirmations or reframing negative thoughts when they arise. Sometimes, being kind to others first can give you ideas on how to treat yourself more gently.

Words That Build, Not Break

When we practice kindness in our words and actions, it creates a ripple effect that goes beyond that single moment. We’re not just being kind to others—we’re creating an environment where kindness is expected and encouraged.

By teaching kindness in schools, we’re helping kids build strong, supportive communities.

Using Your Voice for Good

Learning how to center kindness is an excellent tool for bullying prevention. Having a strong support system built on kindness and respect helps us learn to treat others with respect in turn. It can also help us feel empowered to stand up for ourselves and others.

From your classroom to your community, creating safe and welcoming spaces starts with the power of words.

More Resources for K12 Kindness Month

Ready to join the celebration? Head over to the K12 Kindness Month landing page for anti-bullying resources, activities for parents and students, and much more.