Elf’s taking a break—here’s what’s next!

In the wake of recent events, it feels like the perfect time to shine a light on the importance of community.

For our children, community is not just a word—it’s their anchor. Whether it’s their classroom, neighborhood, or the loving space they call home, it’s where they feel seen, safe, and valued. And when they feel like they belong, magic happens. They thrive.

We know that creating a supportive and connected community around our kids can have a profound impact on their development and happiness. Research confirms that when children feel a sense of connection, they engage more deeply in their learning, achieve higher academically, and build meaningful friendships that shape their lives for years to come.

This is why I take great pride in fostering community-building activities in our kindergarten and junior grades.

A few times a month, we bring our kids together for experiences that emphasize kindness, respect, and collaboration. It’s amazing to witness the transformation that takes place when children feel truly seen and appreciated. For instance, one of our shyer kindergartners, who once could barely make eye contact, is now leading playground games and chatting with peers—all because they feel supported by their older classmates.

One of the highlights of these efforts has been the introduction of Harmony Hare—the world’s most huggable peacemaker. Harmony Hare is more than just a cuddly mascot; think of it as a combination of an elf on a shelf (without the mischief!) and a Build-a-Bear that became a life coach.

Harmony’s role is to remind kids—and all of us—that peace, kindness, and love aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re things we can practice every day to build a more harmonious world.

Just last week, I had the privilege of introducing Harmony Hare at an event in Ancaster, Canada, and the response was nothing short of heartwarming. Entrepreneurs, Educators and parents were uber excited to bring this little symbol of unity into their homes, classrooms and communities, knowing the positive impact it could have on kids.

By embracing Harmony Hare, we’re giving adults and children the gift of connection and teaching them that kindness and togetherness are not only important—they’re actually pretty cool.

As we move forward, let’s continue to strengthen our communities, both big and small. Together, we can help our kids grow into confident, kind, and compassionate individuals who know that they’re never alone. Harmony Hare is here to guide the way, one hug at a time.

But first, let’s read Ava's Adventure this month and see who her animal guide will be this time...

Here’s a hint: this animal stands tall, has a unique view of the world, and knows a thing or two about bringing others together.

Meet our November animal guide, the Community Giraffe! This graceful mentor teaches us about empathy, kindness, and the importance of contributing to our communities.

With symbols of volunteerism and tools for compassionate action, Giraffe reminds us that the key to life is not what we accumulate, but how we contribute. Through simple acts of service, Community Giraffe inspires us to create a world where kindness and generosity help communities thrive.

Join Ava and the Community Giraffe on a journey to discover the power of compassion and community engagement. Download your free adventure pack! It’s full of fun facts, engaging activities, and valuable lessons that will empower your child to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Heartfelt Alternative to Elf on the Shelf!

Bring peace, love, and purpose to your holiday season with Harmony Hare!

Designed to inspire kindness and build emotional intelligence, Harmony Hare transforms holiday traditions into meaningful moments of growth. Join me live as we embark on this heartwarming journey together!

Start your Countdown Quest* November 30th and watch as your child learns essential life skills with their new stuffed friend by their side. Perfect for homes and classrooms alike!

Ready to make this holiday unforgettable? Learn More

*Enrollment required.

Tips for Inspiring Kindness and Community in Kids

Here are some fun yet impactful ways to nurture kindness, empathy, and a sense of community in children:

🌟 Create a Daily Countdown of Kindness
Add a little anticipation to each day by introducing a small, guided activity focused on kindness and compassion. This helps kids feel excited about learning ways to connect with and support others.

📖❤️ Share Stories with Heart
Dive into stories that bring social-emotional learning to life. Choose tales that highlight characters facing challenges with kindness, empathy, and resilience. Stories are a powerful way to help kids understand and relate to these values.

🕊️Set Up Daily Routines for Self-Discovery
Simple, consistent activities can help children build emotional awareness, self-regulation, and even early leadership skills. Incorporate short routines that encourage reflection and understanding of emotions.

Share Your Stories! We’d love to hear how you’re building kindness and connection in your family or classroom. Let’s inspire one another by sharing ideas that help create a stronger, more caring community.

By using these tips, you’re helping your child understand the power of kindness and the joy of being part of a compassionate community. Here's to building!

Thanks for joining me on this journey with Ava and Community Giraffe! As we approach US Thanksgiving, I hope you’re feeling inspired to bring a little extra kindness to your gatherings.

"Kindness is like a language everyone can understand, even if they can't hear or see it."

As part of National Diabetes Month, we’re reminded of how diabetes impacts so many people around us—including those who may experience vision loss as a result. It’s a great time to reflect on how small acts of kindness and understanding can make a world of difference, especially for those who face challenges we might not see.

Until next time, I wish you a week filled with warmth, empathy, and gratitude. Stick around for next week’s edition, where Sylvia will share habit recipes for weaving kindness and community-building into everyday moments.

Tammy Vallieres, The Hero Teacher