This children’s news article, What is World Kindness Day? A kids’ guide to the power of being kind, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore how kindness connects people all around the world. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
What is World Kindness Day?
Every year on 13 November, people across the world celebrate World Kindness Day. The day encourages everyone to do something kind, whether it is helping a friend, sharing a smile, or caring for the planet.
World Kindness Day began in 1998, when a group called the World Kindness Movement created it to remind people that kindness is powerful. Today, it is marked in many countries worldwide.
A short history of kindness
The idea began with organisations that wanted to make the world friendlier and more caring. Many schools and local councils have added World Kindness Day to their calendars so children can learn about compassion in class. Some schools even run small kindness projects, such as secret good-deed missions.
In Singapore, volunteers brightened the streets by handing out yellow flowers to passersby. In Canada, communities celebrate with a Kindness Concert, where music and stories highlight the power of helping others.
Events can be big or small, from sharing thank-you cards or joining a global kindness dance to simple acts like helping a neighbour. These ideas show that kindness can be colourful and creative, yet still start with the smallest actions.
Why kindness matters
Kindness helps people feel safe and valued. It can bridge divides of race, religion, politics, and place. When you are kind, you make the world a little better for someone else and for yourself too.
Scientists say that being kind can boost your mood and help reduce stress. Even tiny acts, like holding a door open or saying something supportive, can start a ripple effect that spreads through your school or community.
How can you take part?
World Kindness Day is a great time to start a kindness challenge at school or at home. You might:
- Write a thank-you card for someone who helps you.
- Do a secret good deed for a classmate.
- Smile and say hello to someone new.
- Pick up litter or help care for your local environment.
Kindness is something everyone can give, no matter their age. You never know how far one small act can travel.
To learn more about global kindness events, visit the World Kindness Movement.
Article vocabulary list
- Kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous, and caring.
- Movement – a group of people working together for a shared goal.
- Compassion – feeling care and concern for others and wanting to help.
- Community – a group of people who live or work together in the same place.
- Caring – showing kindness and concern for others.
- Generous – willing to give time or help to other people.
- Celebrate – to do something special to mark an event or day.
- Event – something that happens, especially something organised.
- Bridge – to connect or bring together people or groups.
- Ripple effect – when one small action causes many more good things to happen.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When is World Kindness Day celebrated?
a) 3 March
b) 13 November
c) 25 December
Answer: b) 13 November
2. Who created World Kindness Day in 1998?
a) A group of school councils
b) The United Nations
c) The World Kindness Movement
Answer: c) The World Kindness Movement
3. What is one reason schools include World Kindness Day on their calendars?
a) To teach children about compassion
b) To practise sports
c) To prepare for science tests
Answer: a) To teach children about compassion
4. How did volunteers in Singapore celebrate the day?
a) By handing out yellow flowers
b) By baking cakes for a competition
c) By painting buildings
Answer: a) By handing out yellow flowers
5. What happens at the Kindness Concert in Canada?
a) People watch films about wildlife
b) Music and stories are shared to celebrate kindness
c) Athletes take part in races
Answer: b) Music and stories are shared to celebrate kindness
6. What can a tiny act of kindness do?
a) Start a ripple effect in a community
b) Cool down the weather
c) Make school holidays longer
Answer: a) Start a ripple effect in a community
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
