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Community Kindness Project

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Lesson Plan

Community Kindness Project Plan

Students will collaborate to design and plan a small kindness initiative for their school or local community, developing teamwork, planning, and civic responsibility skills.

This lesson fosters empathy, civic-mindedness, and collaboration by empowering students to enact positive change in their community through hands-on project-based learning.

Audience

Middle School Students (Grades 7–8)

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Project-based, collaborative planning and presentation.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

10 minutes

  • Display slides 1–3 from the Community Kindness Slide Deck
  • Define "community kindness" and discuss its real-world impact
  • Share brief examples of small-scale kindness initiatives

Step 2

Brainstorming Ideas

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of 3–4
  • Distribute the Kindness Project Blueprint Template and chart paper
  • Groups generate at least three project ideas, jotting thoughts on sticky notes and placing them on chart paper

Step 3

Project Planning

15 minutes

  • Each group selects their top idea
  • Complete the blueprint template: outline goals, steps, resources, timeline, and roles
  • Prepare a 2–3 minute presentation of the project plan

Step 4

Presentations & Feedback

10 minutes

  • Groups present their plans to the class
  • Peers add constructive feedback or questions on sticky notes attached to each chart
  • Encourage positive suggestions and clarifications

Step 5

Implementation & Next Steps

5 minutes

  • As a class, agree on a realistic timeline for project implementation beyond this session
  • Solicit volunteers or assign roles for coordinating and collecting resources

Step 6

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a quick reflection: What did you learn about teamwork and community responsibility?
  • Ask each student to share one personal commitment to spread kindness this week
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Slide Deck

Community Kindness Project

A hands-on project to brainstorm and implement acts of kindness in our community.

Welcome everyone! Introduce the Community Kindness Project. Explain that today we’ll brainstorm, plan, and present a small kindness initiative to implement in our school or local community.

What Is Community Kindness?

• Acts of generosity, empathy, and support
• Strengthens relationships and belonging
• Creates positive change for people around us

Define “community kindness” and invite students to share quick examples. Emphasize that small actions can have a big impact.

Why Kindness Matters

• Fosters empathy and understanding
• Builds a supportive community
• Boosts mental and emotional well-being
• Inspires others to act kindly

Highlight why kindness matters at both personal and community levels. Connect to students’ own experiences.

Examples of Kindness Initiatives

• Organizing a neighborhood park clean-up
• Writing and distributing “You matter” notes
• Hosting a small food or book drive

Share real-world examples: park clean-ups, kindness note campaigns, food drives. Encourage students to think of additional examples.

Project Overview

In groups, you will:

  1. Brainstorm at least three project ideas
  2. Plan your top idea using our blueprint template
  3. Present your plan and gather feedback

Provide an overview of the session: brainstorming, planning, presenting, and deciding next steps.

Brainstorming Ideas

• Identify a community need or opportunity
• Think of at least 3 kindness projects
• Capture each idea on a separate sticky note
• Post notes on chart paper for group discussion

Explain brainstorming guidelines and the use of sticky notes and chart paper.

Kindness Project Blueprint

Template sections:
• Goal: What problem will you address?
• Steps: Key actions required
• Resources: Materials, people, budget
• Timeline: When will tasks happen?
• Roles: Who does what?

Introduce the blueprint template and walk through each section.

Planning Your Project

• Choose your best idea
• Complete each template section
• Assign clear roles and deadlines
• Prepare a 2–3 minute plan presentation

Guide students as they select their top idea and begin filling out the template. Circulate to support.

Presentation Guidelines

• 2–3 minutes per group
• Describe your idea, steps, roles, and timeline
• Explain why it’s meaningful
• Invite questions and suggestions

Explain expectations for presentations: clarity, timing, and content.

Feedback & Improvement

• Listen actively and respectfully
• Ask clarifying questions
• Offer positive suggestions for enhancement
• Note feedback on sticky notes

Discuss how to give and receive feedback constructively.

Reflection

Consider:
• What was the biggest takeaway about community kindness?
• What challenges did you face?
• How can you apply these lessons in daily life?

Lead a quick reflection: what did students learn about teamwork and kindness?

Next Steps & Commitments

• Agree on an implementation timeline
• Assign volunteers for coordination
• Share one personal kindness pledge for this week

Wrap up by setting clear next steps and asking students for a personal kindness commitment.

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Project Guide

Kindness Project Blueprint Template

Project Name: __________________________________

Group Members: _________________________________

Date: ______________________

1. Project Goal

Guiding Questions: What community need are you addressing? Why is this important?












2. Action Steps

Guiding Questions: What specific steps will you take to meet your goal? Who will do each step, and by when?

Step #DescriptionResponsible PersonDeadline
1__________________________________________________________
2__________________________________________________________
3__________________________________________________________
4__________________________________________________________

3. Resources Needed

Guiding Questions: What materials, budget, or support do you need? How will you obtain them?








4. Timeline

Guiding Questions: When will each major phase of your project occur? Use dates or a weekly schedule.











5. Roles and Responsibilities

Guiding Questions: Who on your team will be responsible for each role? What are their main tasks?

Team MemberRoleKey Responsibilities
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

6. Success Criteria

Guiding Questions: How will you measure your project’s impact? What will success look like?












7. Reflection (Post-Project)

Guiding Questions: What went well? What challenges did you face? What would you do differently next time?

  • Biggest Success:







  • Challenges Faced:







  • Future Improvements:







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