By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–There are still plenty of good people in the world doing good things for others.
Several are part of Kelsey Arnold’s Advanced Reading classes at Union City Middle School.
As part of a project after reading the book ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio, 26 fifth graders were tasked by Arnold to perform random acts of kindness for those outside of their inner circle in the community.
‘Wonder’ is a tale about a boy with a facial deformity who looks very different from the “normal” fifth-grade student. The story – which was also made into a movie a few years back – details how the boy was treated by other students when school began.
Among the issues addressed and lessons learned by the UCMS students from their reading were ones of bullying and kindness.
Students’ efforts of kindness ranged from the most simple to ones of great effort.
They included giving donuts to janitors at UC Elementary School, lots of cookie-baking for neighbors and nurses, food delivered to the local fire department, and light yard work for people in their communities.
Higher Ground Coffee Company gift cards were given to school secretaries and one crossing guard. There were also numerous notes of encouragement written and secretly left to professionals, and books donated to a local ‘library box’ among students’ kind deeds.
“They were allowed to pick their own kindness acts, and we discussed what an act of kindness exactly was and how it doesn’t have to cost any money,” Arnold said. “You truly can’t put a price on doing something nice for somebody.
Students were also required to write about their actions, detailing how those efforts related to the book’s theme. Some also took photos.
Upon completion of their work, they shared details of their actions. The classes also had a book discussion during which they shared their ideas and interpretations.
“It was really interesting to hear how those good deeds made them feel,” continued Arnold, who has begun each school year in the last several with this particular project. “We have a different project every nine weeks, and I enjoy this one the most.
“It’s an easy read, a good story, and it teaches valuable lessons.”