Small Acts, Big Ripples: A Collaboration Rooted in Kindness
Come share your kindness stories with Rachel Giannini!
by Rachel Giannini
I’ve been a teacher for many years—working with everyone from the littlest of littles to elementary schoolers—and if there’s one lesson I hope every student carries with them, it’s this: kindness ripples. My heart is fullest when I meet early childhood educators who understand that kindness is everything. It’s the root of healthy relationships, self-love, and the foundation kids carry with them as they step into kindergarten.
So imagine my reaction when I was given the opportunity to partner with the ultimate champion of kindness, Highlights Early Learning. Cue the full ugly cry, pinch-me moment. For me, Highlights was more than just puzzles and Hidden Pictures (although those are awesome). As I know was the case for many of you, their magazines were my constant companions: keeping me entertained on long car rides, helping make hours at the laundromat to fly by, and turning a “scary” doctor’s visit into something not-so-scary. They were reliably there in the moments I needed them most.
The team behind the very pages that once comforted and inspired me as a child has now layered its beloved approaches and features with pedagogy to bring intentional, play-based learning to preschool classrooms. For me, this is more than a collaboration I could have only dreamed of as a child. It’s a chance to celebrate kindness—a value I hold near and dear—and all the educators who model it daily, with students and with each other.
Kindness is magic. Kindness is more contagious than any classroom virus (yes, even the tummy ones). One smile from a stranger turns into opening the door for someone, which turns into a thank you, which becomes a Have a nice day, and so on. One simple act of kindness can ripple to people you’ve never met and places you’ve never been.
Teaching is similar. A gentle reminder, an encouraging word, a safe space to try again—these small moments ripple outward, shaping the way children see themselves and how they treat others. The impact carries far beyond the classroom walls, often in ways we’ll never get to witness.
In my work as a conference keynote speaker, I have the honor of meeting thousands of educators devoted to creating this kind of impact—the kind that ripples around each student’s life and long into their futures. You all deserve celebration, and my only frustration is that conferences rarely leave time for me to fan girl over all of you. So I came up with a solution: Tats & Chats. Hear me out!
Conferences are often fast-paced and packed with activity, leaving little room for meaningful connection. My booth, Tats & Chats, changes that. In just a few minutes—while applying a temporary tattoo—we get to slow down, share stories, and reflect on the role of kindness in our classrooms and communities. It is more than just a temporary tattoo; it’s a playful way to remind you that your kindness leaves a lasting impression. The tattoos may fade, but the connection stays, and the joy and kindness spread.
I’m thrilled that Highlights Early Learning has joined in the fun by contributing kindness-themed temporary tattoos for Tats & Chats! Look for me at the Florida AEYC conference in Orlando and Ohio AEYC Fantabulous Conference in Columbus later in October, and at NAEYC and AELC in Orlando in November. Come share your kindness stories!
In many ways, Highlights has always been in the business of ripples. From the magazine that comforted me as a child to the Kindness Connections enrichment kits reaching classrooms and families today, Highlights spreads joy, curiosity, and kindness far beyond the first touchpoint. Now I get to add my pebble to their pond—creating resources that support educators, inspire children, and remind us all that kindness really is contagious. I hope you’ll join us in spreading kindness in your classrooms every day!
Stop by for Tats & Chats with Rachel!
- Florida AEYC in Orlando: October 17 - 19, 2025
- Ohio AEYC Fantabulous Conference in Columbus: October 24, 2025
- NAEYC Annual Conference in Orlando: November 19 - 22, 2025
- AELC Annual Conference in Orlando: November 19 - 21, 2025
About the Author
Rachel Giannini is an early childhood educator who believes learning should be joyful, messy, imaginative, and full of fun and wonder. After years in the classroom and an integral role in the documentary No Small Matter, she now creates engaging content and resources for parents, caregivers, and educators around the world.
Follow her educational adventures at RachelGiannini.com, her Youtube channel and NoSmallMatter.com.