Circle of Kindness

Ke'Andria Williams

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Circle of Kindness Lesson Plan

Students will practice connecting, communicating, and cooperating through fun, guided activities that build empathy and positive peer relationships.

Building strong relationships in a Tier 1 classroom setting fosters a supportive, inclusive environment, reduces conflicts, and boosts engagement and social skills.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive circle activities and reflective exercises

Materials

Chart Paper and Markers, * Talking Stick or Soft Ball, * Kindness Cards, and * Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print and cut out the full set of Kindness Cards.
Make one copy of the Reflection Worksheet for each student.
Gather chart paper and markers and place in a central activity area.
Select a talking stick or soft ball to use for turn-taking in the circle.

Step 1

Greeting Circle

5 minutes

Have students sit in a circle and introduce the talking stick or soft ball as the sharing tool.
Model: Hold the stick, say your name, and share one kind thing you did or experienced recently.
Pass the stick around; each student shares in turn, listening respectfully.

Step 2

Kindness Cards Sharing

10 minutes

Place the Kindness Cards face down in the center.
Invite one student at a time to draw a card and read its prompt aloud (e.g., “Name a time you helped a friend”).
The whole class responds by sharing briefly or giving one example.
Continue until every student has drawn at least one card.

Step 3

Team Compliment Web

10 minutes

Tape chart paper on the floor or wall and give one end of yarn to a volunteer.
That student says something kind about a classmate (e.g., “I like how Maria helps me”), then hands the yarn to that peer while holding onto the end.
The next student repeats the process, creating a yarn web on the paper.
Continue until everyone has added at least one compliment; display the web as a kindness reminder.

Step 4

Reflection and Closing

5 minutes

Distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
Prompt students to write or draw: 1) How they felt during the Circle of Kindness; 2) One kind action they will do this week.
Invite volunteers to share reflections aloud if time allows.
Collect worksheets and thank students for their participation.

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Slide Deck

Circle of Kindness

Building friendships and spreading kindness in our classroom!

Welcome students to our Circle of Kindness! Explain: Today we’re going to learn how to connect, communicate, and cooperate through fun activities that build friendship and empathy.

Today’s Activities

Greeting Circle (5 min)
Kindness Cards Sharing (10 min)
Team Compliment Web (10 min)
Reflection & Closing (5 min)

Briefly walk through each part of our session so children know what to expect.

Greeting Circle

• Sit in a circle with our talking stick (or soft ball).
• When you hold it, say your name and one kind thing you’ve done or experienced.
• Pass it to the next friend and listen respectfully.

Show the talking stick/ball and model sharing: “I’m Ms. Smith, and a kind thing I did is…” Then hand it to a volunteer.

Kindness Cards Sharing

• Draw one Kindness Card and read the prompt (e.g., “Name a time you helped a friend”).
• Share your example with the class.
• Continue until everyone has drawn a card.

Place the Kindness Cards face-down in the center. Prompt each student to draw and read aloud, then invite brief class responses.

Team Compliment Web

• Tape chart paper and give one end of yarn to a volunteer.
• That student shares a kind compliment about a peer and hands them the yarn.
• Each friend adds their compliment, creating a web of kindness.

Demonstrate how to hold yarn, give a compliment, and pass yarn to the named classmate. Keep the web taut and safe on the paper.

Reflection & Closing

On your worksheet, draw or write:

How did you feel during our circle?
One kind action you’ll do this week.

Distribute Reflection Worksheets. Give students time to draw or write their answers. Invite volunteers to share if time allows.

Keep the Kindness Going!

Great job, friends! Remember to look for ways to help and encourage each other every day.

Praise students for their participation and kindness. Encourage them to keep looking for ways to be kind every day.

Activity

Kindness Cards

Use these cards during the Kindness Cards Sharing activity. Print, cut out, and place face down in the center of your circle. Each card has a prompt to spark discussion about acts of kindness.

Card Prompts:

Name a time you helped a friend.
Describe something kind someone did for you.
Share a way you can show kindness at home.
Tell about a time you made someone smile.
What is one kind word you can say to a classmate today?
How can you help a new student feel welcome?
Describe a way you can show kindness to the school grounds (e.g., picking up trash).
Name a time you included someone in a game or activity.
Share a kind thing you can do for your teacher.
How can you show kindness to someone who looks upset?
Tell about a time you shared something special with a friend.
What is one way to be kind when you’re playing sports or games?
Describe how you can be kind to a sibling or family member.
Share a way you can be kind to pets or animals.
Name one kind thing you’ll do this week.
How does kindness make you feel?

Select a card, read the prompt, and share your story or idea with the class!

Worksheet

Kindness Reflection Worksheet

Think back to our Circle of Kindness activity. Use the space below to write or draw your responses.

How did you feel during our Circle of Kindness? (You can draw or write your answer below.)
One kind action I will do this week is:
Draw a picture of you doing this kind action: