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Caring Friends: How?

tricia.bendavies

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Caring Friends: How?

Students will be able to demonstrate one way to show they care when a friend is feeling sad or upset.

This lesson is important because it teaches young students the foundational social-emotional skills of empathy and kindness, helping them build positive relationships and a supportive classroom community.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through read-alouds, role-playing, and group discussions.

Materials

Whiteboard or chart paper, Markers, Caring Friends Slide Deck, Friendship Scenario Cards, Ways to Care Anchor Chart (blank or pre-filled), and Optional: Stuffed animal or 'talking stick'

Prep

Gather Materials & Review

10 minutes

  • Review the Caring Friends Slide Deck and practice the script.
    * Print and cut out the Friendship Scenario Cards.
    * Prepare the Ways to Care Anchor Chart by having a blank chart ready or pre-writing

Step 1

Mindful Minute Warm-Up

3 minutes

  • Begin with a mindful minute. Ask students to sit comfortably, close their eyes (if they feel safe), and take three deep breaths.
    * After, ask:

Step 2

Read-Aloud and Group Chat

7 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Caring Friends Slide Deck with a warm greeting.
    * Read aloud a short story (teacher's choice or a pre-selected story about friendship and feelings).
    * Facilitate a discussion using the discussion prompts on the Caring Friends Slide Deck:
    *

Step 3

Caring Friend Role-Play

7 minutes

  • Introduce the Friendship Scenario Cards. Explain that you will act out different situations where a friend is sad or upset.
    * Draw a card and read the scenario aloud.
    * Model one way to show care (e.g.,

Step 4

Partner Sharing Circle & Cool Down

3 minutes

  • Have students turn to a partner.
    * Ask them to share one way they can show they care for a friend.
    * Circulate and listen to responses.
    * As a cool-down, ask students to give a
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Slide Deck

Caring Friends: How?

Learning to show we care for others!

Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce the topic of being a caring friend.

Mindful Minute

Let's take three deep, quiet breaths together.
Feel your tummy rise and fall.
How do you feel after being calm?

Guide students through a mindful breathing exercise. Emphasize calm and focus.

Group Chat: Feelings!

What does it mean to be a good friend?
How can we tell if a friend is feeling sad or upset?
What are some things we can do to help a sad friend?

Read a story about friendship and feelings. Use the prompts to facilitate a group discussion.

Caring Friend Role-Play

Sometimes our friends feel sad or upset.
What can we say or do to show we care?
Let's practice together with some scenarios!

Introduce the Friendship Scenario Cards. Explain that students will practice showing care.

Sharing Circle & Cool Down

Turn to your partner and share one way you can show you care.
Give a thumbs up if you learned a new way to be a caring friend!

Instruct students to turn to a partner and share one way they can show care. Listen to their responses.

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Activity

Friendship Scenario Cards

Cut out these cards and use them to practice showing care to friends!

Scenario 1

Your friend, Leo, dropped his ice cream cone and is now crying. What can you do or say?




Scenario 2

Your friend, Mia, looks sad because no one is playing with her on the playground. What can you do or say?




Scenario 3

Your friend, Sam, accidentally knocked over his tower of blocks and is feeling frustrated. What can you do or say?




Scenario 4

Your friend, Chloe, is quiet and has her head down during circle time. What can you do or say?




Scenario 5

Your friend, David, lost his favorite toy. He looks very upset. What can you do or say?




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Worksheet

Ways to Care Anchor Chart

Let's brainstorm together! How can we show our friends we care when they are feeling sad or upset?

What We Can SAY (Verbal Cues):

  • "Are you okay?"
  • "I'm sorry you feel sad."
  • "Do you want to play?"
  • "How can I help you?"
  • "I'm here for you."












What We Can DO (Non-Verbal Cues):

  • Give a hug (if they like hugs).
  • Pat them gently on the back.
  • Sit with them.
  • Share a toy.
  • Draw a picture for them.












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