By K.J., East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin reporter | The last issue of the Bulldog Bulletin reported that being kind is good for your health. Experts at the Mayo Clinic say being kind is linked to things like boosting self-esteem and decreasing blood pressure and stress levels.

But what exactly is kindness? East Norriton teachers recently shared their definitions of kindness.

“Practicing acts of kindness includes holding the door for someone, saying nice things, giving compliments, and helping others when in need,” said sixth-grade social studies teacher Mrs. Beidler.

“Kindness is doing nice things for others, using positive words when speaking to others, doing nice things for others,” said sixth-grade reading teacher Mrs. Stevens. “Kindness is shown through your words and actions.”

“Kindness is going out of your way to make others around you feel valued and appreciated,” said sixth-grade science and social studies teacher Mrs. Ott. “Kindness is ensuring you treat others with respect and support them in different ways.”

“Kindness is when you do your best to treat others how you would want them to treat you,” said instructional support teacher Mrs. Sole.

Sixth-grade math teacher Mrs. Matozzo said, “Kindness is using positive words and actions when interacting with others. Kindness looks like helping someone who is in need.”

Examples she gave were lending someone a pencil, helping them understand a concept that is difficult, or giving someone who is down a compliment.

“Kindness is realizing other people have needs different than our own and doing our best to accommodate them,” said sixth-grade science teacher Mr. Toner.

“Kindness is treating everyone the same way you would want to be treated,” said sixth-grade reading teacher Mrs. Possoff. “This can simply be holding the door open for someone or saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ It can also be grand gestures of volunteering your time, money, or energy to support those in need.”

Fifth-grade reading teacher Mrs. Albert says kindness is simple. She said “think positive and be positive.”

Illustration by Kayden, East Norriton M.S.