Kindness & Respect: Lesson Ideas

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Following Jesus’s Example of Being Kind

Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.

Friend April 1987 “Being Kind Like Jesus”

Ensign January 2016 “The Kindness Challenge” When Jesus visited the people in the Americas, He taught them to love each other and to be kind. What can you do to follow Jesus and love others? Here are some ideas. Check off each challenge as you go.

Ensign January 2016

Friend October 2015  Jesus showed love and kindness to everyone around Him. Take this quiz and think about how you can follow His example.

Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

I follow Jesus’s example when I am kind to others.

Matthew 14:13–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 14; Mark 6; John 5–6” One way Jesus showed love was to feed His followers when they were hungry. How can you help the children learn to serve others like Jesus did?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) After Jesus Christ learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded, He traveled with His Apostles to a solitary place. They were followed by a multitude. Even though He was suffering, the Savior had compassion on the crowd and taught and fed the people—5,000 men plus women and children. This lesson can help you be more compassionate and selfless like Jesus Christ.

Show the children a basket and some bread as you tell the story in Matthew 14:13–21. Explain that even though Jesus had tried to find a place to be alone, the people wanted to be near Him. Share the rest of the story with the children, and ask them to listen for what Jesus did to show kindness and love for the people.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

New Testament Scripture Stories “Chapter 28: Jesus Feeds 5,000 People” Images and Video

Ask the children to share ways in which someone has been kind to them. Then help them think of things they can do this week to be kind to others. For every answer they give, draw a loaf of bread or a fish on the board. Tell the children that when they do these things, they are following the example Jesus set when He fed the five thousand people who were hungry.

Friend March 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Prepare a healthy snack for your little ones. Tell about the miracle of the loaves and the fishes (see Matthew 14:15–21). Help them say, “Jesus knows what I need and can help me.”

Friend July 2021 “Jesus Shared with Others” Story of Jesus sharing fish and bread with his disciples.

We can follow the example of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and serving others even while we are experiencing our own difficulties.Note that a “desert place” ( verse 13) is a solitary place, and “victuals” ( verse 15) means “food.”

I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

Friend July 2023 “Magnolia’s Amazing Dad” Some kids in Primary weren’t kind to Magnolia. They told her that her family wasn’t a good family because her Dad wasn’t a member of the church, but he went to church with them, and he did scripture study and prayer with the family. It made her want to cry because her father was an amazing dad. Magnolia talked to her parents and said. “Jesus taught us to be kind to everyone. Saying mean things doesn’t seem like following Jesus.” “You’re right,” said Dad. “Maybe when you feel like saying something mean, you can remember how you felt when others were unkind to you. Then you can say something kind instead.”

Matthew 7:12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 7:12—also known as the Golden Rule—provides a simple guide for how to treat others. What will help the children you teach live by this principle?

  • Read Matthew 7:12, and paraphrase it in simple words that the children can understand. Help the children think of several ways to complete a sentence like the following: “I like it when others_______ for me.” After each sentence, invite them to repeat with you, “So I should______  for others.”

The below video isn’t produced by the church, but it has some examples of the golden rule. Watching it without the volume on and discussing each picture might be a good way to show some examples.

  • Sing with the children a song that you feel reinforces Matthew 7:12, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61). Make up simple actions to accompany the song. Ask the children what they learn about how we should treat others from the Savior’s example.
  • Invite the children to list kind things their parents or other family members do for them. Read Matthew 7:12, and invite the children to name kind things they can do for their families.

Latter Day Kids “Love One Another” Lesson ideas

How to Show Kindness and Respect for Others

Friend March 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Being Kind”

Friend September 2022 “How Can I Show Respect for Others?” By Elder Gary E. Stevenson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Filling Each Other’s Buckets

Friend June 2019 Story “Each of us has an imaginary bucket inside of us. People fill our buckets when they do nice things for us. And we fill others’ buckets when we’re nice to them. For example, when your mom gives you a hug, she is filling your bucket. When you say something nice to someone, you are filling their bucket.”

Have each child decorate some small bucket, and have class members or family members write kind things about each person to put in their buckets.

Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.

Ensign August 2017 “A Disciples Life” Circle two or three things you could do this week to be kind to others.

Ensign July 2017 “Family Home Evening Ideas” Consider asking family members to come to family home evening prepared to share a time when someone showed kindness to them and how it made them feel. Share one of the stories about kindness. You could then read together the “Looking Inside” and “Looking Outside” lists included with the article, inviting family members to select one or two ideas to work on. Encourage them to share their experiences at a future family home evening. You might want to conclude by singing “A Special Gift Is Kindness” or “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145).

Friend April 2015 “Family Fun Time”  Post on wall all the acts of kindness others have done for you.

Friend September 2021 “Kindness Begins with Me” Color in a heart every time you help someone, say something kind, act as a peacemaker, include someone who may feel lonely, or do any other act of kindness.

Latter Day Kids “Rebekah at the Well” Lesson ideas

I Can Be Kind to Others.

Genesis 24:10–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Abraham’s servant was impressed with the remarkable kindness that Rebekah showed to him by offering water not only to him but to his 10 camels as well. Her example can be a reminder for the children to always be kind to others.

  • Show the picture of Rebekah in this week’s activity page. Point out details in the picture as you summarize the story in Genesis 24:10–21, in which Rebekah showed kindness to the servant of Abraham. Point out that her words and act of kindness were the sign that Rebekah was the one that God wanted to marry Abraham’s son Isaac. Invite the children to pretend to be the servant arriving with his camels or Rebekah getting water for them. Give them phrases to recite from the scriptures, such as “Let me … drink a little water” (verse 17) and “I will draw water for thy camels also” (verse 19). Why is it important for us to be kind to others?
  • Tell a story about how the Savior showed kindness to someone. Invite some of the children to share their own experiences of showing kindness.

Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.

  • Suggest several scenarios in which a child can show kindness, such as playing with friends or meeting someone new at school. Ask the children what they could do to be kind in these scenarios.

Friend July 2019 “A New Friend at Lunch” Austin sat with his friends at lunch, and they told jokes and shared cookies. Everyone was happy, except for a boy sitting alone. He was crying and sad. Austin comes up with a plan to help him. He invites the boy to sit with him and his friends, and then everyone is happy.

Friend May 2019 “The Red Cupcake” Sam couldn’t wait to have one of Ryan’s birthday cupcakes. But when he finally got to the front of the line to get his cupcake, it was the last one, and Jenny was still behind him. She looked sad, so Sam told the teacher that Jenny could have his cupcake. Jenny suggested that they share it, and they were both happy.   Friend May 2019  “Family Fun Night”Cupcake refreshment idea.  

  • Sing with the children a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” or “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 145, 78–79). Invite the children to listen for the word “kindness” (or a similar word) and stand when they hear it. How can we show kindness to others? This week’s activity page could help with this discussion.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)” Ways to show kindness

Friend June 2023 “Good Words”

Standing up for Others

Friend February 2023 “I Can Stand Up for Others”

I can show love and kindness to those around me.

Ruth

Ruth CHAPTER 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine—His sons marry—The father and sons die—Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi—They come to Bethlehem.

Ruth CHAPTER 2

Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi—He treats Ruth kindly.

Ruth CHAPTER 3

By Naomi’s instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz—He promises as a relative to take her as his wife.

Ruth CHAPTER 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife—Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Ruth’s husband died, she could have stayed in her home country, but she chose to go with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and care for her. Consider how Ruth’s Christlike example could inspire the children you teach to be kind to those around them.

  • Invite the children to represent Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or other characters as you tell their story from the book of Ruth (see also “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others?

Old Testament Stories “Ruth and Naomi”

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Latter Day Kids “Showing Kindness to Others” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth June 2022 “Fearless Together”

  • Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet”

Family Support Game

Ruth 1–4

After Ruth became a widow, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her people, “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:

  1. Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
  2. Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
  3. Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.

Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Grains of Service

Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198)

Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!

Old Testament Coloring Book “Ruth and Naomi”

Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16
To help the children have the desire to follow the example of righteous people and to be good examples themselves.

Friend July 2018 “Ruth was a Loyal Friend” Link includes story and goal card ideas to learn how to be a good friend like Ruth.

I Will Be Blessed as I Act in Faith and Show Kindness to Others.

Genesis 24:1–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Abraham’s servant showed faith by trusting God’s guidance to find a wife for Isaac. Rebekah showed kindness in the way she treated Abraham’s servant. How can you help the children you teach follow the examples of Abraham’s servant and Rebekah?

  • Read Genesis 24:1–28 together, and help the children identify examples of faith and kindness (see, for example, verses 12–14 and 17–20). How were Abraham’s servant and Rebekah blessed by showing faith and kindness? Write on the board We can show faith by … and We can show kindness by … , and invite the children to suggest ways to complete these sentences.
  • On strips of paper, write things Abraham’s servant said or did and things Rebekah said or did in Genesis 24:1–28. Invite the children to each select a strip of paper and work together to guess who said or did these things (they can refer to the scriptures if they need help). What does this story teach us about kindness? What does it teach us about faith? Other examples of kindness and faith are found in Genesis 24:29–33, 58–61.
  • Invite the children to think of an act of kindness they have seen. Invite them to write it down and share it with the class or their families at home. How do we feel when someone is kind to us?

Friend February 2022 “Scripture Hero Cards”

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Ten-Camel Kindness

Story: Rebekah helped Abraham’s servant by bringing water for his 10 camels (see Genesis 24:10–20). Abraham’s servant was thankful for her kindness.

Song: “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: You can serve like Rebekah! Draw 10 camels (see page 12 to learn how). Hang them up where your family can see them. Each time you do something kind for someone else, color in a camel.

Friend February 2022 “Draw a Camel” Use this page to do the activity on page 7. One camel can drink 30 gallons (114 liters) of water in just a few minutes! How much water do you think Rebekah brought for the 10 camels to drink?

Coloring page: “Rebekah at the Well” (May 2002 Friend) Coloring page

Friend April 2018

Using Kind Words

I can speak with kindness.(Jr)

James 3:1–13

Show pictures of something sweet and something sour. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father asks us to use our tongues to say sweet (or kind) things and not sour (or unkind) things (see James 3:10). Help them think of examples of nice things we can say to others. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Clipart Library

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “James”

James 3 includes many images that could inspire memorable object lessons to help your family remember to speak kindly. For example, you could build a fire together and talk about how a small, unkind word can cause a big problem (see verses 5–6). Or you could serve something sour in something that is usually used for sweet food—such as lemon juice in a honey jar. This could lead to a discussion about using sweet and uplifting words (see verses 9–14).

Give each child a simple drawing of a person speaking. Invite the children to hold it up when you say something nice that we can do with our words (such as telling the truth, giving compliments, and offering to help someone) and put it down when you say something that we shouldn’t do with our tongues (such as telling lies, calling other people names, and refusing to obey a parent).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Friend June 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Using Good Words”

Activity Time: Match the good words with the picture. How can you use good words?

Reinforce the message of James 3:1–13 by singing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Em Is Crafty “Come Follow Me 2019 Lesson 42”

TOOTHPASTE WORDS: The words we speak have the power to hurt or bless others. Get a small tube of
toothpaste. Let family members take turns squeezing some of it out onto a plate until it’s empty. Challenge them to get the toothpaste back into the tube. Help them see that once it’s been squeezed out, you can’t put it back in. Similarly, words are hard to take back. Once we speak hurtful words to or about someone, we can’t take them back. Are the words we’re saying words that would hurt or lift others? How can we be better at blessing others with our words?

I can speak with kindness.(Sr)

James 3:1–13

Is there someone in the ward, perhaps one of the children you teach, who has worked with horses or knows something about boats? You could invite him or her to provide insights about James’s teachings in James 3:3–4 about using kind words. Or provide some of your own insights. What do we learn about controlling our tongues from these examples?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Clipart Library Gemi Clipart

Invite the children to read James 3:1–13 and to draw a picture of something they find that teaches about controlling our tongues. Give them time to share their pictures and what they learned. Sing together a song about using kind words, such as “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words” (Hymns, no. 232). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

  • Bugs and Brothers.” In this Friend story, Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be angry at her brother Zach.
  • The Right Reply.” Emily wants to write a mean reply when her friend sends her a mean email, but then she thinks of what Jesus would do and responds kindly. (From the Friend.)

After reviewing James 3:1–13 together, review the standards for language in For the Strength of Youth ([booklet, 2022], 12). Help the children set a goal to improve the way they speak to others, and encourage them to ask Heavenly Father to help them with this goal. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Children and Youth Development: Goals and Activities

Goal Ideas

  • Make a list of kind, positive things you could say to those around you. Post this list where you can see it every day as a reminder.
  • Look for examples in the scriptures of how the Savior spoke to those around Him. How did His words teach, lift, and help others? Write in your journal the impressions you receive about how you can follow the Savior’s example.
  • Your thoughts affect your words. Do you have unkind thoughts about someone? Every time you have an unkind thought about someone, think of something positive about the person instead. You’ll be more likely to speak kindly, and you might even find a new friend!
  • How do you and your friends talk about others? Set an example of using kind words. For example, if your friends start gossiping about someone, find a kind way to stand up for that person or change the subject. You could even ask your friends to join you in your goal to speak kindly about others.

Or So She Says

Em Is Crafty “Come Follow Me 2019 Lesson 42”

TOOTHPASTE WORDS: The words we speak have the power to hurt or bless others. Get a small tube of
toothpaste. Let family members take turns squeezing some of it out onto a plate until it’s empty. Challenge them to get the toothpaste back into the tube. Help them see that once it’s been squeezed out, you can’t put it back in. Similarly, words are hard to take back. Once we speak hurtful words to or about someone, we can’t take them back. Are the words we’re saying words that would hurt or lift others? How can we be better at blessing others with our words?

Friend May 2019 “For Parents of Little Ones” Teaching little ones to use kind words.

Handout

Proverbs 15:1, 18

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” In tense or frustrating situations, we may be tempted to respond with anger. Proverbs 15:1, 18 teaches us how we can turn away anger.

  • Read Proverbs 15:1 to the children, and explain any words or phrases that might be unfamiliar to them. Share a few examples of situations in which a child might feel angry (such as an argument with a brother or sister). Help them think of “soft answers,” or kind words, they could use instead of angry words. Help them practice saying these things softly or in a calm voice.

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends

Latter Day Kids “Kind Words” Lesson ideas

Friend April 2023 “The Big, Bad, Rotten Text” Zach got mad at his older sister and sent a mean text to her on his mom’s phone, but he sent it to the wrong Rachel. The person who received it helped him realize that it was important to use his words to say kind things, not to hurt others.

Friend September 2022 “Jack Uses Kind Words” Throughout the day Jack uses kind words like please and thank you. (Read the story to the children, then read each of the kind words on the list and have them repeat them. Next read each sentence in the story again and have the children tell you which word was the kind word.)

Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)

Friend June 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Using Good Words”

Activity Time: Match the good words with the picture. How can you use good words?

  • Sing a song about kindness, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). What does the song teach us about being kind?
  • To help the children understand what it means to be “slow to anger” (Proverbs 15:18), tell a personal story about when you (or someone you know) felt angry but chose to be kind. Let the children share their own experiences too. Help the children think of things they can do instead of becoming angry. For example, they could think about Jesus, ask Heavenly Father to help them, sing a Primary song to themselves, or, if possible, just walk away.

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)

Practice: How do our words affect the spirit in our home? Perhaps family members could practice giving “a soft answer” to “grievous words” and try to use what they learn in their interactions with each other. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

Friend September 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child asks, “Sometimes kids at school say mean things. How can I make them stop?”

Response: You can’t make anyone do anything. But when you speak kindly, others might follow your example. Words are powerful. Especially when you use your words for good. Mean words can be hurtful, but kind words can be helpful, healing, and inspiring.

Respect

Inclusion

Friend February 2023 “Soccer Riddle” Alessio invited his new neighbor, Sara, to play soccer with his friends! Use the clues to help Sara learn all their names.

Friend February 2023 “How Can I Help Everyone Feel Welcome?”

Friend June 2021 “Be Kind” President Oaks tells us to be kind and not tease, reject, bully, and reject those who are different from them.

Ways to show kindness to someone new or from a different country.

Friend August 2017 “Happy to Help” A girl born in a refugee camp but now lives in Utah helps translate for new kids at Primary. Some ideas for helping new kids include: “If you don’t speak their language, find someone who can translate.
Learn how to say hello in their language. In Kirundi, say “Amakuru.” In Swahili, say “Jambo!”
Invite them to come play with you.”

Friend September 2020 “Friends By Mail” A family came up with some kindness tips: “If there’s a new kid at school, offer to show them around and introduce them to your other friends. Share things about yourself so they get to know you, and ask questions about them.”

Love, Kindness, and Looking for the Good

Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Friend January 2016 Link includes lesson ideas.

Friend January 2016

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 4-6”

  • I should treat others with love and kindness.
  • Draw a small heart on the board. Invite the children to share ways they can be kind to others. Each time they share, erase the heart and draw a bigger one. Testify that our love for others grows as we are kind to them. Give the children paper hearts, and invite them to draw on the hearts ways they can show love and be kind.
  • Help the children search Mosiah 4:13–16, 26 and identify phrases that describe how we can serve others. Invite them to act out these things or draw pictures of them, and let the other children guess the phrase. How can we show love and kindness at home, at school, or at church?

Friend April 2016 What does it mean to be kind? Write something for each letter of the alphabet on a poster. Set some family goals and hang up the poster.

Liahona June 2021 “The Godhead and Loving Others: Family Study Fun”

Spin It for a Minute

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

  1. Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
  2. Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
  3. Take turns spinning the pencil.
  4. Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
  5. Continue until each person has had at least one turn.

Discussion: What acts of kindness can we do for our neighbors, ward members, ourselves? How can even small, simple acts lead to great things?

Friend February 2016 “Student of the Week”

Friend February 2016

Bullying

Avoiding Becoming a Bully

Ensign August 2017 “The Burdens of Bullying” Lesson ideas about teaching children how to avoid becoming bullies themselves –including the below object lesson idea.

Cover several cans of food with paper and take turns writing on the cans ways that others hurt us, like ignoring, yelling, hitting, or saying, “I don’t like you.” Then blow up some balloons. Use a marker to write on the balloons ways that others make us happy, like sharing toys or saying, “I like playing with you.” Have two people each hold a basket or box while everyone else gives balloons to one person and cans to the other. Explain how positive behaviors and words make our loads easy to carry, but negative actions and comments can weigh us down. Talk about what you and your family can do to help lighten others’ burdens.

Friend October 2015  Jesus showed love and kindness to everyone around Him. Take this quiz and think about how you can follow His example.

Repenting of Unkindness and Bullying

Friend May 2021 “Conference Notes”

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2021-05-04-at-8.26.46-AM.jpg

Being Kind to a Bully

Friend January 2016- “Question Corner” A girl at school is always mean to me. How can I still be kind to her?

Friend January 2016

Helping Someone Who is Being Bullied

Friend October 2015  “The Bullying Problem/The Kindness Challenge”

Friend October 2015

Friend May 2020 “What’s on Your Mind?” Someone wants to know how to stand up for someone who is being bullied. The Friendngives some tips and suggest acting them out.

Setting Goals to Be Kind

Friend April 2022 “For Older Kids”

Friend April 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mosiah 4:26 together and help your little ones say, “I can help those in need.” This would be a great time to do a family service project. For example, young children could decorate paper bags and help fill them with snacks or other items to comfort people who seem sad or lonely.

Friend April 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Kindness Challenge: Do a family kindness challenge! Set out a small jar. Throughout the week, put a small object in the jar every time you do something kind. Can you fill it to the top?

Kindness at School

Friend November 2022 “Classroom Kindness”

Friend May 2021 “Conference Notes”

Praying to be Kind

Friend August 2022 “Coloring Page” What happened when this family prayed to show kindness?

I Can Strengthen Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:7

Even young children can follow the counsel to strengthen others “in all your conversation, in all your prayers, … and in all your doings.”

  • Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
  • Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.

How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.

In My Conversation

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

In Prayers

Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.

Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help,  but he’s too young.  While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.

In My Exhortations

Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.

Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.

In My Doings

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)” 

Latter Day Kids “Strengthening Others” Lesson, story, and activity ideas to go along with below video.


Kindness: Activities & Games

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Friend August 2023 “Find It!” We can follow Jesus Christ every day by being kind to others. Can you find the hidden objects in the picture?

Friend January 2022 “Kindness Connection” Play this game, and then count up all your squares and do that many kind things!

Friend March 2021 “For Little Friends” Circle the ways you can show kindness!

Friend October 2020 “Who Did What?” Each of these kids wanted to do something extra nice for someone else to follow Jesus’s example. Follow the lines to see what they did.

Friend September 2021 “Service Challenge Origami” Make the origami folding craft and write kind acts underneath the flaps. Do the activity until it lands on one of the kind acts. Do that kind act for someone.

Words We Say

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

Kind Words

Friend January 2019  Create a garden of kindness.

  1. Cut out a paper garden plant or creature. It can be a flower, veggie, bug, or even a worm!
  2. Write about a kind deed you did—or one someone did for you.
  3. Post it on a poster board or wall. Continue until you’ve created a beautiful garden of kindness.

Friend December 2020 “Kindness Garden Find It” Find the hidden objects!

Friend June 2019 “Friends by Mail” Activity day girls in Florida, USA, created a tropical kindness garden! It hangs in the Primary room for other children to add their kind deeds. (includes photo)

Friend August 2019 “Friends by Mail” We loved the idea of a kindness garden, so we decided to make our own. We put it up on a wall in our house, and every week we add a kind deed we did. We plan to do different things each month for our kindness garden. We want to be like Jesus and be kind. (includes photo)

Friend July 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy have both been helping people, so they decide to make something for the kindness garden.

Friend November 2019 “Kindness Flowers” A kindness game like the game “hangman” you can play with a friend or family member. Think of a kind word that describes the other person.Have the other person guess which letters are in the mystery word. If they guess correctly, write that letter in the blank. If they guess a letter that’s not in the word, draw a petal on the flower and write that letter in it.’

Friend January 2018 “Colors of Kindness” Crossword puzzle of ways Jesus showed kindness to others.

Friend March 2017 “Love Your Neighbor” Board game about showing kindness to people in various situations.

Friendshipping and Including Others

Friend August 2022 “Find It” These kids like to make sure everyone has a friend at lunch. How can you be kind at school? Can you find all the hidden items?

Friend September 2021 “Find It” These friends invited others to play with them. They want everyone to feel welcome! Can you find the hidden items in the picture?

Friend January 2019 “Find It” On this snowy Saturday, Austin and Alicia are trying to be more like Jesus. Can you help them find two kids who look lonely? Can you also find the hidden objects?

Friend September 2017 “Find It” Everyone should have someone to play with at recess! Samantha and Jia want to help. Can you help them find these kids who might need a friend?

Friend February 2015 “Bulletin Board” Game idea for lesson where everyone seeks someone and hides with them – represents seeking someone lonely and staying with them.

Friend September 2015- Girl is included in group that wear crazy socks. S.O.C.K.S stands for sisters of caring, kindness and service.
Friend September 2015– Activity idea- Make crazy socks. Story- S.O.C.K.S stands for sisters of caring, kindness and service.
Friend August 1983
Friend August 1983 – Be kind to others

Kindness & Respect: Stories & Poems

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Why Should We Practice Kindness

Helps Us Grow to Become Christlike

Friend July 2020 “Small and Simple” Boy does small, kind acts to help others which help him grow too.

Kindness Can Soften Hearts

Friend March 2022 “Cake and Kindness” Juli didn’t think her aunt liked to her because her aunt was so strict and never smiled. She decided to be patient, kind, and brave in trying to speak Spanish with her aunt. She agreed to help her aunt make a cake for Juli’s parents anniversary. Her aunt was patient with her as she tried to speak Spanish and was less strict and even smiled. Juli was glad her prayer was answered.

Being Kind Helps Us Feel Happy

Friend June 2022 “Coloring the Boring Day Away” Clara was bored and frustrated because there wasn’t anything to do. Her brother decides to color some pictures for their new neighbors. She joined in. It was fun helping bring happiness to others.

Setting an Example of Kindness

Friend April 2018 “A High-Five Example”Students in a special needs class we’re trying to give Lily’s classmates high fives as they walked by, but nobody did it until Lily gave them all high fives then everyone behind her did it.

Friend April 2022 “Brave Friends” Anisha had only been in the country for a few months and was still working on learning English. She was afraid to give her history report because some of the words were hard. Molly helped her practice, but the kids still giggled while Anisha gave her report. When it was Molly’s turn she started by complimenting Anisha on her report and her hard work learning English. After class, several others went to Anisha and complimented her too.

Friend February 2023 “The Happy Note” Riley’s new teacher is nervous when he teaches and the kids can’t hear him very well and are talking about him and laughing. Riley decided to cheer him on. She invited some kids to her house and they made a poster for him. They wrote things they liked about him and things they had already learned from him. He looked so happy when he read it, and Riley heard a kid say they couldn’t wait to go to his class that day.

Caring and Consideration

Friend August 2023 “The Broken Water Bottle” Sophia noticed her friend wasn’t drinking any water on a hot day after school. Her friend said she broke her water bottle and she couldn’t get a new one. Sophia worried about her friend because clean water was hard to come by, and they needed to bring clean water from home. Sophia started bringing plastic bottles of water to school for her friend. Her friend was so grateful. Then Sophia’s mom let her friend use a spare water bottle they had. Her friend was so happy and Sophia felt warm inside. She knew she had helped her friend, like Jesus would.

Friend February 2021 “A Perfect Fit” As they played basketball, Tony noticed that his friend Sean’s shoes were coming apart. Sean explained that he couldn’t get new ones until his dad found a job. Tony wanted to help Sean. He said a prayer. The next morning he noticed some shoes in his closet that his older brother had given him that didn’t fit. Sean was happy when Tony gave them to him and they fit him perfectly.

Friend March 2020 ” The Birthday Markers” Marcus loves to draw and was excited to get a new set of markers for his birthday. He notices that his friend looks sad when Marcus got his markers. Marcis then remembered that his friend had a birthday recently and probably didn’t get any presents because his dad recently lost his job. There are two of each color in Marcus’s new set of markers, and he decides to take one of each of the colors and wrap them up to give to his friend.

Friend June 2019 “Waiting for Ian” Ian was in an accident and was in the hospital and then in recovery for several months. The Primary kids asked if they could postpone the Primary Program until Ian was better because they knew that Ian loved participating in it.

Friend May 2019 “The Red Cupcake” Sam couldn’t wait to have one of Ryan’s birthday cupcakes. But when he finally got to the front of the line to get his cupcake, it was the last one, and Jenny was still behind him. She looked sad, so Sam told the teacher that Jenny could have his cupcake. Jenny suggested that they share it, and they were both happy.   Friend May 2019  “Family Fun Night”Cupcake refreshment idea.  

Friend February 2019 “Ways to Show You I Care” Action rhyme of things to do to show you care about someone.

Friend December 2017 “Warm Hands, Warm Heart” Monroe notices some of her friends don’t have gloves to keep their hands warm at recess, so she brings some gloves to share.

Friend December 2017 “The Red Ticket” Matteo’s Friend was always getting into trouble at school. He had to pay with tickets that could be used for prizes. He ran out of tickets one day and Matteo offered to pay with his own ticket so his friend wouldn’t have to miss recess.

Friend April 2023 “Margo and Paolo” Margo and Paolo invite a friend to dinner who is going to be alone for Easter.

Friend October 2023 “How My Bad Day Got Better” Tucker was having a bad day but had to go to his baseball game. He was sitting sad and alone on a bench and his coach and teammates encouraged him to come play. They helped him feel better.

Kind Words

Friend May 2019 “Choosing Kind Words” Selene called Adriana a mean name when she missed the ball. Adriana told Selene that it hurt her feelings and asked her not to say that. Selene apologized. (Also a lesson idea about kind words children can use and when to use them. Have children tell which ones Adriana and Selene used.)

Friend January 2018 “Lucas and the Bully” Lucas stood up to a bully, but the words he used hurt the bullies feelings. Lucas apologizes and invites the bully to play and they become friends

Friend September 2016 “Super Spencer” Spencer’s friends make fun of his note from his mom, and that makes him feel bad. His mom teaches him that words can hurt, but they can also make people feel happy. Spencer uses kind words and helps people be happy.

Encouraging Others

Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up.  But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race.

Friend August 2017 “I was the fastest runner in my class when we were timed for the mile run. I noticed one girl who was having a hard time running, so as soon as I finished, I cheered her on. It made me feel good inside to encourage her.” Josh C., age 8, California, USA

Being Kind to Someone Being Unkind

Friend November 2019 “Giving Kindness Back” Brooklyn was sad because someone at school was being mean to her. Her mother told her that sometimes people try to make you feel bad when they’re sad about their own lives. Brooklyn decided to try and cheer him up, so she made a card for him with candy on it. He was nice to her from then on.  (If someone’s not kind to you, try being kind to them. It might take a month or a year. By Brooklyn)

Friend September 2022 “Different but Not Alone” Megan is the only member of the church in her school. One day a boy named Bennett scoffed at her religious beliefs. Another boy, who was the only Hindu in the school, helped her feel better. They both wondered if Bennett had been mean because he didn’t feel happy inside and needed a friend. They became his friend, and he apologized for being mean.

Helping Others

Friend July 2023 “The Making Things Better Club” Josie and Ashlyn start a “Making Things Better Club.” They looked for people to help, like kids that need a friend. Soon Josie was doing it without thinking and realized that it was making her better.

Friend January 2022 “Carolina Reaches Out” Carolina’s friend was losing his hair and Carolina wished she could help him feel better. During recess she looked for him and found him being made fun of and bullied by two boys. She rushed over and asked her friend if he wanted to play with her. They walked together to where a teacher was. Her friend smiled and thanked her. She was glad she was able to help.

Friend September 2021 “Hopscotch with Friends” Daya helps her friends by finding more stones for them to play hopscotch with.

Friend May 2021 ” Locked Out! Emma noticed a little girl crying while she and her mom were on a walk. They found out the girl was locked out of her apartment. They helped push the button and call her mom on the intercom. The girlsa nd her mom were so grateful for the help, and Emma felt warm inside.

Friend February 2021 “Lost at the Aquarium” Krista noticed a little girl crying and alone at the aquarium. Krista and her mother waited with the girl until her mother found her.

Friend October 2020 “Lonely Lunchtime” Kali was lonely at school because she didn’t have any friends yet. Her mom sometimes said, “Look for the kids who are lonely.” She saw a boy sitting alone and went over and talked to him. Afterwards, she felt happy knowing she had made someone else’s recess a little better.

Friend March 2020 “I Like to Be a Friend” Kiera and her friend help a girl who is crying because she doesn’t have any friends.

Friend January 2019 “Show and Tell”

There was a new boy in my class in school who couldn’t speak English. In the computer lab, I sat next to him and helped him with the assignment we were given. I felt good after I helped him.

Helping Someone who is Sad

Friend May 2023 “Origami Friends” Ari noticed that the librarian seemed sad when they went to the library to do crafts. They found out that her car had been broken into and several belongings had been stolen. They wanted to help her feel better so they made her a bag full of origami.

Friend May 2023 “Folding Fun”

Friend May 2020 “I’ll Be Kind” Action Rhyme about ways to help someone who is sad.

Helping Those Being Bullied or Teased

Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.

Friend April 2021 “The CTR Reminder” Raish was afraid to say anything to her friends who were being mean to a new girl, but then she saw her CTR ring and remembered something her teacher had said. Remember who you are and what you stand for. So Raish stood for the right and asked her friends to stop being mean, and then she went and apologized to the new girl and asked to be her friend.

Friend October 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy befriends a girl who is being made fun of because of the religious clothing (hijab) she wears. She shows respect for the girl’s faith and beliefs and invites her to meet her friends.

Friend May 2020 “A Blue-Ribbon Friend” Preston helps Jacob when some kids were making fun of his art. Preston likes Jacob’s art and asks for one of his pictures. He then entered the picture in the fair along with his own. They both won blue ribbons.

Friend June 2019 “Friendship Feud” When some girls won’t let Sadra play with them anymore, one of the friends of the girls decides to be a friend to Sadra even though the other girls threatened not to be her friend anymore too.

Friend October 2018 “I was in school when I saw a new boy. A few days later, some of my classmates hit him in the hallway. They gave him a black eye. I felt so much pain for what they had done to him. I found out where he lived and offered him my friendship. The gospel teaches us that we should be helpful, and I love that.Jeshua O., age 11, Illinois, USA”

Friend August 2017 “A bully was picking on a boy I didn’t know. I told the bully that he should be nice. The bully made fun of me. Then the boy I had stood up for helped me. He said that we should all be friends. I felt good that we could help each other.” James W., age 6, Arizona, USA
Friend September 2016 “Show and Tell” A boy tells a bully to stop being mean to another child.
Friend April 2016 “School Bus Hero” Ryan helps Jason because Jason doesn’t have anyone to sit with on the bus and the older kids tease him.

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Friend June 1986 “Truth or Dare” Julie’s friends tease an old woman, whom Julie finds out is sad and lonely. Julie helps the lady not feel so alone.

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Repenting of Bullying

Friend January 2020 “The Apology” Some classmates were making fun of a boy and Minchan joined in. Later, he found out how sad it made the boy feel. Minchin felt bad and apologized and tried to get the others to stop making fun of the boy.

Friend February 2017 “Me? A Bully?” Jeff didn’t realize he and his best friend were bullying another boy until his mom got a call from the principal. Jeff wanted to be kind like Jesus, so he decides to fix things.

Including and Welcoming Others

Friend October 2022 “The Friendship Party” Maya decides to help some kids, who recently moved in, feel welcome by having party and introducing them to other kids.

Friend September 2022 “Singing Time Together” During singing time, Sarah notices a girl sitting alone and not singing. Sarah goes and sits by her and whispers the words of the song to her so she can sing too. Sarah finds out that it was the girl’s first time in Primary.

Friend April 2022 “Samuel’s New Team” Samuel was born without a left hand, but he was a very good basketball player. He was joining a new team but was worried about what they would think. They didn’t pass the ball to him at first, but one boy saw he could play well and passed to Samuel to show the others that too. Samuel made a basket and his team cheered.

Friend September 2021 “Kindness at the Primary Program” Paul was excited to be in the Primary Program. While singing in the program he saw Mark coming in late with his family. He looked sad. Paul remembered when he came to Primary for the first time. He was glad that other people sat next to him and were nice. He waved for Mark to come sit by him and he gave him a hug. Mark gave Paul a big smile.

Friend September 2021 “A Special Lunch” When Baylor started 3rd grade he had a hard time making friends. So when two new boys arrive at school, he does his best to make them feel welcome and help them. He also had two coupons for lunch with a friend and the teacher, and he invited the two new boys.

Friend September 2021 “New Amigos” Brigit’s family had just moved to Venezuela and she was worried and scared about going to church because she didn’t speak Spanish. When they walked into the chapel, two girls her age rushed over to meet her. When they realized she didn’t speak English they told her their names, sat with her, and started teaching her Spanish. The girls helped Brigit feel welcomed and happy .

Friend May 2021 “Tara’s New Friend” Tara sees a boy sitting alone at church. She doesn’t speak his language so she decides to draw pictures for him.

There are all kinds of children in the world. And Heavenly Father loves them all! He wants us to love them too. How many hearts can you find?

Friend June 2020 “No One Was Left Out” Justin and his friends were playing a game were they had to hit a ball with their arms to keep it in the air. One of the girls who came to play had a broken arm. Justin said, “I have a great idea. We’re all going to play with one arm.” Everybody played the game using just one arm, including the girl who was wearing a cast. No one was left out.

Friend February 2020 “A Kind Primary Class” Jayden was nervous to go to a different ward when he was out of town. But when he got to Primary he felt better because the other kids included him and were kind. They shared their scriptures with him, talked to him, and helped him. They became his friends. Activity: Aria is new at church. Fill in the speech bubbles with what you could say. How could you help a visitor feel welcome?

Friend September 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy and her friend think about starting a club, but it didn’t feel right to invite a few people and leave out others. They decide to have everyone be in the club.

Friend July 2019 “A New Friend at Lunch” Austin sat with his friends at lunch, and they told jokes and shared cookies. Everyone was happy, except for a boy sitting alone. He was crying and sad. Austin comes up with a plan to help him. He invites the boy to sit with him and his friends, and then everyone is happy.

Friend June 2019 “Say Hello to Halim! Marcus puts a kind note in the new boy’s bucket to help him feel welcome because it looked like Halim was struggling with moving to a new country and a new school. Marcus’s class has buckets on their desks because their teacher wants them to write kind notes to each other to help fill the imaginary buckets inside of them.

Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I saw a new girl at school who was alone. I asked my friends to include her in playing with us. They said no, but I went anyway and played with her. We are now friends! Meigan P., age 10, Arizona, USA

Friend July 2018 “Helper for a Day” It’s Elena’s turn to be the special helper in class. She gets to choose someone to help her take the blue folder to the office. She choose Lucas because no one ever chooses him. She wants him to be happy.

Friend June 2018 “The Special Assignment” Oni, a refugee, isn’t included at school, and he is sometimes treated meanly. Elliot prayed about the problem and then talked to his teacher about some of the ideas he and his mom had come up with. The teacher used one of the ideas when she gave some of the students a special assignment to help Oni feel included.

Friend November 2017 “A Picture Perfect Friendship” Avery notices that Jeremy plays alone at recess and sits alone. She prays about how to help him. She draws a picture for him and ask him if he’d like to be friends.

Friend October 2017 “Everybody’s Buddy” Tyler includes someone sitting on the Buddy Bench who needs a friend.

Friend September 2017 “Earings for Jasmine” Abby wants to help those who lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina, so she befriends a girl who moved from there. Abby stand she up for Jasmine even though other kids make fun of her.

Friend September 2015 – Girl is included in group that wear crazy socks. S.O.C.K.S  stands for sisters of caring, kindness and service.

Friend October 2015 ” The Worth of Soles” – Boy teased by his friends about his old shoes. Other boys feel bad about the teasing and are kind.

Friend October 2015 " The Worth of Soles" - Boy teased by his friends about his old shoes. Other boys feel bad about the teasing and are kind.
Friend October 2015

Friend February 2015 “Marisol” Alice is kind and includes a girl who doesn’t speak English. They become good friends.

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Friend February 2015 “The Trouble with Recess” Jason feels bad when the kids says mean things about the grumpy playground helper. He figures out a way to make things better.

Friend February 2016
Friend February 2016
Friend February 2016
Friend February 2016

Friend February 1988 “A Valentine for Valerie” A special homemade valentine makes a new shy girl feel cared about and included at school.

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Daily Random Acts of Kindness

Friend April 2018 “Dare to Be Kind” Claudia from Australia stands up for others, comforts those who are sad, is a friend to a neighbor in need, and helps bring the Spirit through singing. (Includes photos of Claudia.)

Friend February 2018  “The Friend helps me do something nice every day. Sometimes I hold the door open at school. Doing something nice gives me a good feeling in my heart.”

Rachel I., age 9, Oregon, USA

Being Kind Regardless of Other’s Actions

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Friend September 2018 “Show and Tell” “One day I wanted to sit by a bully at school to be friends with her. She yelled at me to go away. I wanted to get her back with my words. But I held my tongue and said, “It’s OK. I’ll sit by someone else.” When I walked away, I felt good for what I did.” Elijah V., age 12, Arizona, USA

Saying Sorry

Friend September 2020 “Amy and Her Trike” Amy accidentally hits Todd while riding trikes. She says sorry, gives him a hug, and asks if he wants to ride trikes with her.

Neighborly Kindness

Friend June 2023 “The Kindness Coin” Nina gave her neighbor free lemonade at her stand as a thank you for all the help he had given to her family. Her neighbor was so kind though that he put it on the porch for her to find. Nina and her neighbor went back and forth finding places to put the coin at each other’s houses. It was a fun game. But then the neighbor had the coin made into a necklace for Nina.