ben’s bells

It’s easy to forget how important kindness is. Spreading messages of kindness can make someone’s day, and creating a culture of kindness at your school can have a huge impact in improving folks’ mental health and the overall environment.

First, ensure that you have permission from your principal to place the bells around the school. Use your club sponsor’s support for this!
At the start of your meeting, introduce Ben’s Bells activity by showing this video
- Before playing the video, give folks a quick heads up that the video briefly discusses the loss of a child/family member. Some folks may not be in the headspace to hear about that, and that’s ok! They can take a break in the hallway.
Divide the club into as many groups as you have terra cotta pots. Instruct each group to make their school’s version of Ben’s Bells, using the basic instructions found here.
Each group may personalize their painting of the pot and beads on the chime. Allow them 20-30 minutes to complete their chime.
After students construct their bells, allow them to craft a message of kindness using pencil and paper that they can attach to the bell.
- Folks are encouraged to personalize their own message, possibly with an uplifting or encouraging quote. Everyone should also add brief instructions to their note asking the finder of the bell to pass it on.
After creating their own bells, allow groups five minutes to think of where they would like to put the bells. Decide who in the group will place the bell in the chosen spot upon leaving the club.
Let the bells pass along and move locations for as long as your school will allow!

Promote the bells and their meaning on social media, posters around school, and the morning news/announcements
Ask your teachers if you can briefly share about the campaign at the start of your classes to reach as many of your peers as possible

Did you notice any bells moving locations? Success! That means folks saw them and engaged in the campaign