October is National Bullying Prevention Month—a time to shine light on something that can quietly wound the hearts of our students. But as teachers, counselors, and leaders, we can also shine the greater light of God’s love and create classrooms where kindness, empathy, and Generosity take root.
When a student feels unseen, words can cut deep. But when a student feels known and valued, something powerful happens... healing begins. That’s the heart of Biblical SEL and Generous Classroom. It’s about teaching children not only to recognize their emotions but also to respond with God’s compassion.
In Generous Students, we talk about living generously — not just with our things or money, but with our attention, words, and time. These three forms of Generosity are some of the most powerful ways to build belonging.
- Generosity of Attention: When we truly see someone — by listening, noticing, or simply smiling — we remind them they matter.
- Generosity of Words: Encouragement has the power to lift others and replace cruel comments with kindness.
- Generosity of Time: Taking a few extra minutes to invite someone in, play together, or check on a friend shows Christ’s love in action.
A culture of belonging starts with small, intentional moments like these. Try creating a “Generous Words Wall” where students post encouraging notes to one another. Or start a “Circle of Belonging” — a few minutes each week for students to share something they’re thankful for or something kind they noticed.
Scripture reminds us, “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10) When we teach students to outdo one another in kindness, we’re not only preventing bullying — we’re forming hearts that reflect Jesus.
We can’t erase every mean moment, but we can build classrooms so full of God’s love that cruelty loses its power. When generosity fills the room, every child belongs.