Spreading kindness through planting seeds at The Learning Experience in Apopka

APOPKA, Fla. – In a bustling classroom filled with the laughter and curiosity of preschoolers, something extraordinary is happening.

Young children at The Learning Experience in Apopka are being taught about kindness, sharing, and philanthropy from as early as 3 or 4 years old. Their dedicated teachers are turning this lesson into a mini masterclass in compassion and community-building, rather than just a regular story hour.

The day’s activities center on two themes: understanding philanthropy and practicing kindness.

The learning process starts with the teacher reading a book titled “Philanthropy with Grace and Charity.” This storybook introduces the idea of giving back in simple terms that are easily relatable for the little learners. The main characters, Grace and Charity, demonstrate acts of kindness such as donating canned goods, expressing gratitude through thank-you notes, and sharing toys with those who are less fortunate.

During the reading session, the teacher takes the time to spell out the word “philanthropy” and acknowledges its complexity. However, she skillfully simplifies it by breaking it down into small actions that the children can understand. By highlighting everyday gestures like using polite words or donating clothes, she shows the kids how these modest acts can have a significant impact.

After the reading, the children eagerly raise their hands to share their ideas on how they can be kind and generous. Some suggest donating toys, while others talk about helping their parents at home by cleaning or setting the table.

When asked if these lessons resonate with such young students, teacher Mikayla Williams confidently said, “I wouldn’t say they’re too young. They start learning as babies-everything is repetition. They come to school each day and learn something new.”

Repetition is a vital part of every class. Here, students write thank-you cards, read books, and use toys to bring kindness to life. Williams highlights that one of the benefits of starting these lessons early is that they can stay with the children for a lifetime. She also uses a “kindness board” with pictures and quotes to show how these 4- and 5-year-olds learn from each other and inspire others to be helpful.

Kindness is always part of the curriculum, and that’s exactly how Diana Pankivska, the curriculum specialist at The Learning Experience, wants it.

“The sooner you start, the better,” Pankivska said. “Kids are like sponges; they absorb everything. We see it in classrooms all the time.”

She explained that students often open doors for their teachers, hug their friends, and offer words of encouragement when someone is upset. When asked if these acts extend beyond the classroom, Pankivska is confident they do. Her own son, a student at The Learning Experience, often offers to help her with chores at home.

The preschool years are a critical time for social-emotional learning. Young children are naturally empathetic, but they need guidance to channel those instincts into meaningful actions. Through structured lessons, they learn that their actions have a tangible impact.

At The Learning Experience, diversity and inclusion are also key elements of the curriculum. Students learn about these concepts using toys that reflect different abilities to teach empathy and acceptance.

“We’re very intentional with the toys and books we buy,” explained Vickianna Acosta, the Executive Director at The Learning Experience. “You’ll see toys with kids using crutches or in wheelchairs, so when our students see them outside, they know to show kindness and to help.”

Our final stop of the day was a conversation with a couple of students who eagerly shared what they’ve learned about sharing.

Four-year-old Kross proudly said he knows sharing is caring, often offering to share his PlayStation with friends. Five-year-old Elias loves holding the door open for his teachers because their gratitude makes him feel happy.

When asked for advice on how to handle my co-anchor, Matt Austin, when he’s not being nice, Elias didn’t miss a beat. Pointing a finger at the camera, he declared, “Matt, don’t be mean to Ginger.”

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