With 2020 and everything going on, there are countless reasons why being kind is important right now, both in and out of the classroom. In this episode, I sit down with fellow kindness advocate Houston Kraft, public speaker, curriculum developer, and co-founder of CharacterStrong. Houston will talk with us about the value of kindness, 5 ways to be kind right now, and where to start. www.coolcatteacher.com/e710  Houston Kraft - Bio as Submitted Houston is a speaker, curriculum developer, and kindness advocate who has spoken at over 600 schools or events internationally. In 2016, he co-founded CharacterStrong - curriculum and trainings that transform the way schools teach social-emotional learning, character education, and Kindness. To date, they have worked with over 2500 schools globally serving over 1 million students. In 2019, his face was featured on Lays BBQ chip bags as someone who helps "spread smiles.” In 2020, his first book, Deep Kindness was released. His mom is his hero and her best life lesson is to “hug like you mean it.” Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." All opinions on this show are my own and those of my guests on the show and are not necessarily endorsed by the show's sponsor.