Editor's Note: As 2018 dissolves into 2019, these articles serve as reminders of the power of the human spirit in classrooms -- from "undercover agents" who spread invisible smiles, to ten ideas that foster a spirit of giving, to a teacher who holds space for embodied learning -- by having kids teach themselves! --Daniela

Following a school shooting in his district, middle school teacher Justin Paramentor steps up his students' kindness. Students randomly pick a classmate's name out of a bowl, and have 2 weeks to do an act of kindness for them. After, they write a reflective "Mission Report" on the experience.

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Reflecting the holiday time of year, Elizabeth Mulvahill offers up 10 ideas, from everyday personal practices to meaningful outreach projects, that foster kindness and a spirit of giving in students.

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Young scientists in Leslie Wangeman's 6th grade science class take ownership of their own learning by designing and teaching a lesson plan of their own.

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Be The Change Idea

As the first story inspires, pick a random student or colleague and give yourself two weeks to do a small act of kindness for them.