For the Classroom

Forgiveness

Letting go of grudges to restore my own well being

Forgiveness helps restore relationships and promote growth in school communities.

When mistakes are met with understanding and accountability, students learn responsibility and resilience. Forgiveness creates a culture of second chances and hope.

Essay

Forgiveness and Mental Health

by Sandra Szczygiel, LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)

Forgiveness is essential to good mental health. All of us are hurt by someone at some point in our lives, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Without forgiveness, we can be overtaken with resentment, bitterness, anger, and self-pity. Our bodies will eventually be impacted as well, even to the point of death.

There are seven basic steps to forgiveness. These include acknowledging the hurt, expressing the emotions associated with the hurt, empathizing with the offender, making the decision to forgive, learning from the hurtful experience, rebuilding trust, and moving forward after forgiving. These steps can be very challenging, and the amount of time needed to go through them is very individualized. Unfortunately, some people never make it through all the steps.

A quote attributed to Maya Angelou, who had a tremendous amount of hurt in her life, encapsulates the rewards of forgiveness: “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.” My favorite quote, however, is one by Dr. Steve Maraboli: “Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on.”

References: Mayo Clinic.org, ; eNotAlone – Paula Thompson

Affirmations for the Classroom

I let go of hurt and move on.
I say “I’m sorry” when I hurt someone.
I am kind to others when I forgive.
I choose peace instead of getting even.
I choose kind actions, even when I feel upset.

Forgiveness Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Forgiveness.

Featured

Forgiveness as a Core Value

Descriptions of Forgiveness as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Reading List Roundup: Forgiveness Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Forgiveness—plus a printable download and a link to the full Forgiveness bookshelf on Goodreads.

Forgiveness as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Forgiveness supports the other qualities.

Fun with Character: The Cookie Thief

Explore the complexity of Forgiveness and self-reflection through Valerie Cox’s classic poem, "The Cookie Thief." This lesson challenges students to consider how quick we are to judge others and the humility required to forgive ourselves when we realize we were the ones in the wrong.

Fun with Character: Lighten Up

Help students visualize the weight of holding onto grudges with this powerful heart-based activity. By "coloring in" a heart with grievances and "erasing" them through forgiveness, students learn how to choose a lighthearted life and the importance of forgiving themselves.

Fun with Character: The 4 A’s of Apologizing

Go beyond a simple "I'm sorry" with this practical guide to meaningful apologies. By following the four A's—Admit, Apologize, Ask, and Alter—students learn how to take responsibility for their actions and rebuild trust in their relationships.

Fun with Character: The Gift of Forgiveness

Discover how Forgiveness acts as a gift for both the giver and the receiver through this interactive "gift box" activity. By practicing the language of apologies and reconciliation, students learn that letting go of grudges creates a lighter heart and a more positive community.

Connecting Forgiveness to the Biology Curriculum

Use concept of enzymes from your Biology curriculum to teach Forgiveness

Picture Book Pick: This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness

A featured Forgiveness picture book—This is Just to Say—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Forgiveness

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Forgiveness, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Forgiveness Quotes

Looking for reminders that Forgiveness makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Forgiveness Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Forgiveness

Letting go of grudges to restore my own well being

Forgiveness helps restore relationships and promote growth in school communities.

Forgiveness and Mental Health

Affirmations for the Classroom

Forgiveness Resource Library

Forgiveness Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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