Iowa school's educational program aims to make kindness viral

Des Moines, Iowa – Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with CBS News to offer free educational programs to teachers and students around the world designed to teach lessons about good character and kindness.

Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based “Kindness 101” includes short videos from CBS reporter Steve Hartman's “On the Road” series.

The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities and family connections that focus on the six pillars of character, and Smit says they are appropriate for any grade level.

The program is aimed not only at teachers in Iowa, but teachers around the world, and Smit says they hope the popularity of “Kindness 101” will grow rapidly.

Smit says it is very helpful for students to see role models who demonstrate character and kindness in their daily lives.

Hartman launched “Kindness 101” when schools were closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. The show was nominated for a News Emmy that same year and has since been adapted into a weekly series for “CBS Mornings.”

Smit encourages everyone, especially parents, to sign up for free.