I was recently introduced to the story The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy, and it has quickly become one of my favorite character education books. The Jelly Donut Difference focuses on Leah and Dexter, a brother and sister who don’t always get along, but eventually learn about kindness and generosity. You can even hear Maria Dismondy read the story to your children here:

Today I want to share a little kindness with you. I have a little activity that I think your students will love: A Dozen Ways to Be Kind.

I’m going to show you three different ways you can use this with your students.

Option 1: File Folders

This file folder donut box craft opens up to reveal a dozen ways students can show kindness. Students will write a dozen ways to show kindness on the donuts and then decorate them any way they choose.

I started with a file folder. I cut out a section on the front that was 4″x 6″ so the folder would resemble a donut box with a see-through window. I also cut a sheet protector into a 5″x 7″ rectangle and taped that to the inside of the file folder to help create the illusion of a donut box window (you might be able to use saran wrap or just leave the window open, too.)

From there, students can write a dozen ways to show kindness on the donuts inside the folder, decorate the donuts, and even decorate the outside of the file folder.

Option 2: Paper Donut Box

For this option, I grabbed two sheets of brown paper. I used washi tape to hold the two pages together at the top to create a flap. Then I glued on the title cover.

This paper donut box craft opens up to reveal a dozen ways students can show kindness. Students can decorate the dozen donuts any way they choose.

On the inside, there’s room to add two more parts. The top section is where students can write down a dozen ways to show kindness. The bottom has a dozen donuts that students can decorate any way they choose. When on display, the top flap can open and close.

Note – you could also skip the lined paper option and have students write the acts of kindness on the donuts like you saw in option one.

Option 3: Modified Donut Box for Younger Students

This option is set up just like the one shown in option two, but focuses on half a dozen ways to be kind. This option uses just one sheet of cardstock (or construction paper) that has been folded in half.

Here’s a sample page for the inside:

An option for half a dozen ways to show kindness has been included for younger students.

Do you think your students would enjoy this activity? You can find the directions and templates here. To grab your own copy of the book, click on the image below.

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If you’re looking for more activities for The Jelly Donut Difference, click here. You’ll find comprehension questions, vocabulary cards, graphic organizers, and a donut craft that doubles as a response booklet.