LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Kindness is something we all learned at a young age. It's so important, that it's part of the curriculum for some classes at Pulaski Heights Elementary School.
Every day the second and third-graders watch videos of CBS News Correspondent Steve Hartman and his stories of compassion that happen across the country. From the courageous cowboy, to unlikely friends, or showcasing the difference a simple hug can make.
However, on Monday, the students themselves were the story, as they sat down for a master class in compassion.
"I was like, oh, my god, I'm kind of seeing a famous person right now," one student said.
It was a surprising reaction when you think about how many kids actually watch the evening news.
Hartman explained the phenomenon, "This kept happening in school after school, teacher after teacher using the stories in a way that I never intended. But I'm so thrilled that they are."
At eight and nine years old, the kids are already kinder beyond their years.
"I'm going to have a blessed day today because I just watched a video. And that makes me feel like I'm going to spread kindness around the world," another student shared.
Hartman explained that these stories make an impact, even on him.
"When I see kids, you know, getting so much out of it, and really changing and becoming kinder. Teachers tell us they're kinder. It makes me feel like I chose the right career path," he added.
That change has already been happening at Pulaski Heights, and the principal explained how they're some of the best-behaved classes in school.
They've been learning lessons we could all take time to revisit.
"I just want to encourage everybody to be the kindest self they can be," said another student.
These stories help build a new, kinder generation.
Any school looking to learn more about teaching Kindness 101 from Hartman can find more information by clicking here.