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Compass of Kindness

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Lesson Plan

Compass of Kindness Lesson Plan

Students will learn what compassion means and why it matters by watching a brief video, discussing real‐life examples, and reflecting on ways to show kindness. They will identify one compassionate action they can practice.

Teaching compassion builds empathy and strengthens classroom relationships. When students understand and practice kindness, they create a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Use video examples, guided discussion, and a reflection prompt to illustrate and reinforce compassion.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Warm-Up

3 minutes

  • Greet students and explain today’s focus: compassion.
  • Ask: “What does kindness mean to you?” and record responses on the board.
  • Invite one or two quick examples of times students felt someone was kind to them.

Step 2

Watch Video

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Empathy and Compassion Video.
  • Explain: “Notice moments where people show caring or help each other.”
  • Play the video in full; ensure all students can see and hear clearly.

Step 3

Guided Discussion

6 minutes

  • Ask: “What examples of compassion did you notice?” Write answers on the board.
  • Use think-pair-share: students discuss in pairs for 1 minute, then share with the class.
  • Prompt: “Why do you think showing compassion is important?” and record insights.

Step 4

Reflection Activity and Closing

6 minutes

  • Distribute the Compassion Reflection Worksheet.
  • Students write one way they can show compassion this week and draw a related scene.
  • Invite two volunteers to share their ideas with the class.
  • Collect worksheets to review and display exemplary work.
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Slide Deck

Compass of Kindness

Understanding compassion and why it matters.

Welcome everyone! Introduce today’s lesson: “Compass of Kindness.” Explain that we’ll learn what compassion means and how we can show kindness in our classroom and beyond.

Warm-Up: What Is Kindness?

• What does kindness mean?
• Can you think of a time someone was kind to you?

Ask: “What does kindness mean to you?” Record student responses on the board. Encourage brief examples of times they felt kindness.

Introduce the video: “Notice moments when people show caring or help each other.” Play the full Empathy and Compassion Video, ensuring all can see and hear.

Discussion: Examples of Compassion

• What examples of compassion did you notice?
• Why is showing compassion important?

Prompt students to discuss in pairs for 1 minute, then share with the class. Write answers on the board. Guide toward why compassion matters for friendships and community.

Reflection Activity

• Write one way you can show compassion this week.
• Draw a scene that shows your idea.

Hand out the Compassion Reflection Worksheet. Circulate to support as students write and draw. After 3–4 minutes, invite two volunteers to share.

Wrap-Up: Be a Compassion Champion!

Great job today! Remember to practice compassion every day and help others feel cared for.

Praise student work and remind them to practice compassion daily. Collect worksheets to display exemplary efforts in the classroom.

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Worksheet

Compassion Reflection Worksheet

Thank you for participating in our Compass of Kindness lesson! Use this worksheet to think about and plan how you can show compassion this week.

1. What does the word compassion mean to you?

Write your own definition in your own words.




2. Think of a time when you saw someone show compassion or when you showed compassion to someone.

Describe what happened and how it made you feel.







3. One way I can show compassion this week is:

Write your action plan.




4. Draw a picture of you doing your compassionate action.

Use the space below to illustrate your idea!













Great job! Keep this worksheet on your desk as a reminder to practice compassion every day.

(Material link: Compass of Kindness Lesson Plan)

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