How Everyday Kindness Helps Kids Build Character and Celebrate Others
Val LegoVal Lego
Articles by Val
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Young 5s vs. Kindergarten: What’s the Difference?
Published: Jan 23, 2026
At National Heritage Academies (NHA®), we believe that strong character shapes strong students. Our Moral Focus™ curriculum gives students daily opportunities to practice virtues like respect, kindness, courage, and gratitude. One powerful way children grow these virtues is by learning how to celebrate others.
Celebrating others might sound simple, but it’s a skill that takes practice. It teaches children to notice the good in people, appreciate hard work, and support their classmates.
Colby Tein, Senior Instructional Specialist at National Heritage Academies says it also helps kids step into leadership.
“When children learn to celebrate others, they see that kindness is more than a feeling,” Tein explains. “It becomes something they choose to share every day.”
Kids naturally notice moments when a friend wins an award, reaches a goal, or tries something new. But turning those moments into encouragement takes guidance.
When students cheer for their classmates, they practice empathy and build confidence in themselves. They learn that success isn’t a competition. It’s something the whole community can celebrate.
Recognizing others also strengthens Moral Focus™ virtues like respect, encouragement, and compassion. It helps students see the best in each other and spreads a sense of belonging throughout the school.
Celebrating others doesn’t require big gestures or perfect words. In fact, the most meaningful celebrations often come from everyday moments. Kids can learn to:
Parents play an important role in teaching kids how to encourage and honor others. Here are a few simple ways to build the habit:
1. Model It
Let your child hear you celebrate others. Share when a coworker worked hard or when a neighbor did something helpful. Kids learn by watching how adults give praise.
2. Name the Virtues
Connect your child’s actions to Moral Focus virtues. For example: “I noticed how you encouraged your sister. That showed real kindness and respect.”
3. Ask Reflective Questions
After school or activities, try asking:
4. Practice Celebrating at Home
Create small family moments of celebration. Applaud someone for trying something new, finishing a book, or working through a tough day. This teaches children that effort is worth recognizing.
When students learn to celebrate others, they help build a positive school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued, “Celebrating others isn’t just something kids do for their friends. It shapes who they become.”, Tein adds that it strengthens friendships and encourages students to be leaders who lift others up. At NHA, we’re proud to partner with families to build students who don’t just learn about Moral Focus™ but live it in their daily choices. And celebrating others is one of the most meaningful places to begin.
Celebrating others might sound simple, but it’s a skill that takes practice. It teaches children to notice the good in people, appreciate hard work, and support their classmates.
Colby Tein, Senior Instructional Specialist at National Heritage Academies says it also helps kids step into leadership.
“When children learn to celebrate others, they see that kindness is more than a feeling,” Tein explains. “It becomes something they choose to share every day.”
Why Does Celebrating Others Matter?
Kids naturally notice moments when a friend wins an award, reaches a goal, or tries something new. But turning those moments into encouragement takes guidance.When students cheer for their classmates, they practice empathy and build confidence in themselves. They learn that success isn’t a competition. It’s something the whole community can celebrate.
Recognizing others also strengthens Moral Focus™ virtues like respect, encouragement, and compassion. It helps students see the best in each other and spreads a sense of belonging throughout the school.
What Does Celebrating Others Look Like?
Celebrating others doesn’t require big gestures or perfect words. In fact, the most meaningful celebrations often come from everyday moments. Kids can learn to:- Say kind words that make a friend smile
- Point out someone’s strengths, like determination or creativity
- Listen closely when a friend needs support
- Cheer on classmates who take a brave step
- Tell someone, “I believe in you,” when they’re trying something new
How Can Parents Help Encourage Kindness at Home?
Parents play an important role in teaching kids how to encourage and honor others. Here are a few simple ways to build the habit:1. Model It
Let your child hear you celebrate others. Share when a coworker worked hard or when a neighbor did something helpful. Kids learn by watching how adults give praise.
2. Name the Virtues
Connect your child’s actions to Moral Focus virtues. For example: “I noticed how you encouraged your sister. That showed real kindness and respect.”
3. Ask Reflective Questions
After school or activities, try asking:
- “Who did something brave today?”
- “Who could use some encouragement tomorrow?”
- “What’s one good thing you noticed about a classmate?”
4. Practice Celebrating at Home
Create small family moments of celebration. Applaud someone for trying something new, finishing a book, or working through a tough day. This teaches children that effort is worth recognizing.
A Habit That Shapes Community
When students learn to celebrate others, they help build a positive school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued, “Celebrating others isn’t just something kids do for their friends. It shapes who they become.”, Tein adds that it strengthens friendships and encourages students to be leaders who lift others up. At NHA, we’re proud to partner with families to build students who don’t just learn about Moral Focus™ but live it in their daily choices. And celebrating others is one of the most meaningful places to begin.