The Science Behind Random Acts of Kindness
Ask students: Why do acts of kindness have a positive impact on mental well-being, according to Dr. Naomi Eisenberger?
From lending someone a hand with their car to giving a simple “thank you” to a cashier, acts of kindness — whether big or small — can have a huge effect on both recipients and givers. Ali Rogin reports on insights into the power of these acts.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is Lorelei Colbert?
- What types of random acts of kindness does Colbert suggest?
- When did Colbert start the Chemo to Kindness Challenge?
- Why do acts of kindness have a positive impact on mental well-being, according to Dr. Naomi Eisenberger?
- How does Colbert describe the impact of acts of kindness at the end of the video?
Focus Questions
What are some examples of acts of kindness you can do around your school? Your community?
Media literacy: How does including scientific evidence about the impact of random acts of kindness affect your understanding their significance?
Extension Activity
Discuss: How do people tend to underestimate the effects of their acts of kindness?
Check out the Student Reporting Labs video below on teen volunteers tackling food insecurity in Los Angeles county and discuss.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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