Crumpled Heart Lesson
Understanding impact of unkind words
This lesson uses the 'Crumpled Heart' activity to teach first graders about the lasting impact of unkind words. Through a visual and interactive demonstration, students will learn how words can leave marks on others, even if we try to smooth things over. This lesson is important for fostering empathy and encouraging students to choose kindness in their interactions.
Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Restorative Practices
Paper Heart Cutouts, and Markers
Step 1
Introduction
2 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the carpet.
- Introduce the topic: "Today, we're going to see how our words can leave marks on others, just like a crumpled piece of paper."
Step 2
Crumpled Heart Activity
6 minutes
- Show a paper heart to the class.
- Invite students to say something unkind (e.g., "You can't play with us") and crumple the heart slightly each time.
- After several crumples, try to smooth the heart out and show the remaining wrinkles.
- Explain: "Even when we say sorry, the marks can still be there."
Step 3
Discussion
4 minutes
- Discuss how the crumpled heart represents feelings.
- Ask: "How do you think the heart feels?"
- Encourage students to share how they feel when someone says something unkind.
Step 4
Reflection
3 minutes
- Hand out paper heart cutouts to each student.
- Ask them to write or draw something kind they can say to someone.
- Encourage them to keep their heart as a reminder to use kind words.
