Kindness 101 – Opening Hearts and Making a Difference

Are you looking for a creative way to introduce character strengths into your home, classroom, or school? 

I encourage you to check out Kindness 101. 

Steve Hartman, host of the CBS series On the Road, created “Kindness 101” with his two children, Meryl and Emmett, at home during the pandemic. After learning that thousands of K-12 teachers were integrating the videos into their classrooms, he asked CBS if they would make all his videos available for free. (Check out the link below to learn why one teacher shows his fifth graders a video – every day.)

I first met Steve over a year ago through Pete Wilson, an English teacher at Masconomet Regional Middle School in Massachusetts. Pete is one of the teachers who helped create a Facebook page to encourage other teachers to integrate Steve’s videos into their curriculum. Pete contacted Character.org to ask how we could help get the word out. 

Several days later, Steve Hartman agreed to give a keynote at our 2023 International Forum (held this past November). When I asked Steve about an honorarium, he passed on his standard speaking fee, but asked if we would invite Pete Wilson to attend the Forum as our guest. That’s the kind of guy Steve is.

Our 2023 Forum was an incredible success, on so many levels. My only regret? We didn’t place a box of Kleenex at every table before Steve’s keynote. Folks, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. 

That night, Steve and Pete joined us for dinner. During our time together, I will most remember Steve’s humor. I knew he was funny and quick-witted onscreen (especially with his children), but it was a blessing to soak in his positive energy offscreen.

Steve recently recorded a “Welcome Back” video for our 2023 National Schools of Character. Many of the 73 schools have reached out to let us know how much their school community appreciated Steve’s heartfelt tribute. You can watch Steve’s video here.  

Steve’s idea for Kindness 101 evolved and is now a collaboration between CBS News and CHARACTER COUNTS!. When you check out the Kindness101.com website, you’ll notice easy-to-use activities and discussion/journal prompts for each video in a Google Slides deck. All teachers have to do is download the handouts. Best of all, all the videos and lesson plans are free.

For parents and educators who may not know about Steve’s “Kindness 101” series, his videos go way beyond kindness. The series explores a wide range of character strengths, including gratitude, determination, honesty, respect, and so much more.

For example, while writing this article, I watched several videos from the Kindness 101 library.  I came across one that touched my heart. In 2022, Steve and his two young children introduced us to Ed, a man in his 90s who embodies the spirit of self-improvement. At the end of the episode, Ed wonders about his purpose in life. Steve looks right at Ed and shares that “inspiring other people” is Ed’s noble purpose.

Inspiring people is also Steve Hartman’s noble purpose. 

I am humbled by Steve’s steeled commitment to fostering a spirit of goodness in all of us. Character.org stands with Steve and his audacious vision:First, for all of us to learn from his inspiring videos how people from all walks of life practice goodness; second, for us to live those character strengths every day.

Steve Hartman has dedicated his life to opening hearts and making a difference. Check out Kindness101.com and be inspired!

Note: Here is the link to the teacher in Arizona explaining why he shows his fifth graders an “On the Road” video – every day.