Lesson Plan
Hero Chair: You're a Star!
Students will be able to identify and celebrate positive behaviors in their classmates using the "Hero Chair" strategy.
This lesson helps create a positive and supportive classroom community where students feel valued and recognized for their good deeds, encouraging a cycle of kindness and respect.
Audience
kg
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, modeling, and guided practice.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Construction paper or index cards, Star stickers or small tokens (optional), Hero Chair Slide Deck, Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet, Hero Chair Script, and Hero Chair Cool Down
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Hero Chair Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet for each student.
- Designate a special chair in the classroom as the "Hero Chair." Decorate it with a star or a cape if desired.
- Have star stickers or small tokens ready for students to give to the
Step 1
Introduction to Hero Chair (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Begin with a Warm Up question: "What does it mean to be a 'hero' in our classroom?"
- Introduce the concept of the "Hero Chair" using the Hero Chair Slide Deck (Slides 1-2).
- Explain that the Hero Chair is a special place to recognize classmates who show kindness, hard work, and helpfulness.
Step 2
Defining Heroic Actions (10 minutes)
10 minutes
- Lead a discussion on examples of "heroic actions" in the classroom, using Hero Chair Slide Deck (Slide 3).
- Ask students for specific examples of how they've seen classmates be heroes (e.g., helping a friend, sharing, working hard).
- Emphasize that heroism isn't just about grand gestures but also everyday acts of kindness. Refer to the Hero Chair Script for specific talking points and questions.
Step 3
How to Nominate a Hero (7 minutes)
7 minutes
- Explain the nomination process using Hero Chair Slide Deck (Slide 4).
- Distribute the Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet.
- Model how to fill out the worksheet, providing a specific example of a heroic action you observed.
- Have students complete the worksheet individually, thinking of a classmate they'd like to nominate and why.
Step 4
Hero Chair Ceremony (5 minutes)
5 minutes
- Invite a few students (time permitting) to share their nominations aloud while the nominated student sits in the Hero Chair.
- Encourage applause and positive affirmations from the class.
- The teacher can also share their own observation of a student sitting in the Hero Chair during the week and explain why they are a hero. If time permits, the student can share what made them do that heroic act.
- Collect the nomination worksheets to review later and continue the Hero Chair recognition throughout the week.
Step 5
Wrap Up and Reflection (3 minutes)
3 minutes
- Conclude by reinforcing the importance of noticing and appreciating positive actions.
- Use the Hero Chair Cool Down for a quick reflection activity.
Slide Deck
Welcome, Classroom Heroes!
What does it mean to be a 'hero' in our classroom?
Think about people who help others, work hard, and make our classroom a better place!
Greet students and start with the warm-up question. Encourage sharing and discussion.
Introducing the Hero Chair!
The Hero Chair is a special place where we celebrate our classmates for being awesome!
It's for recognizing:
- Kindness
- Hard work
- Helpfulness
- Making good choices
Introduce the 'Hero Chair' concept. Emphasize that it's a special way to celebrate classmates.
What Makes a Classroom Hero?
Heroes aren't just in comic books!
They are all around us, even in our classroom!
What are some 'heroic actions' you've seen a classmate do?
- Helping a friend pick up dropped pencils?
- Sharing their crayons?
- Working quietly on their assignment?
- Including someone who felt left out?
Facilitate a discussion with examples. Prompt students to think about real-life classroom scenarios.
Nominate Your Classmate Hero!
How do we choose our classroom heroes?
1. Think of a classmate who showed a heroic action.
2. Fill out a Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet.
3. Write down exactly what they did and why it was heroic.
4. We'll share some nominations and celebrate our heroes!
Explain the nomination process clearly. Show a quick example if possible.
Let's Keep Being Heroes!
Every day is a chance to be a hero and to notice the heroes around you.
Look for opportunities to:
- Be kind
- Work hard
- Help others
Conclude by reiterating the positive impact of recognizing others.
Script
Hero Chair Lesson Script
Warm Up (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start our day with a quick thought. We talk a lot about heroes in stories and movies, but what does it mean to be a 'hero' right here in our classroom? Turn to a partner and share your ideas for about a minute. What kind of actions make someone a hero in our learning space?"
(Allow students to discuss in pairs. Circulate and listen to their ideas.)
Teacher: "Alright, let's hear some of your brilliant ideas! Who wants to share what they discussed?"
(Call on a few students to share. Acknowledge and affirm their responses, connecting them to positive behavior.)
Introducing the Hero Chair (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Fantastic ideas, class! Today, we're going to introduce something special called the Hero Chair Slide Deck (Slide 2). The Hero Chair is a special place to celebrate you, our amazing classmates, for being awesome! It's our way of noticing and saying 'thank you' for the kindness, hard work, helpfulness, and great choices you make every day."
Teacher: "The Hero Chair isn't just any chair; it's a spot where we recognize those everyday heroic actions that make our classroom a wonderful place to be."
Defining Heroic Actions (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Now, let's think more about what makes a classroom hero. (Display Hero Chair Slide Deck - Slide 3). Heroes aren't just characters in comic books with capes; they are all around us! They are the people who do small, yet important, things that help others and make our community stronger."
Teacher: "Can anyone give me an example of a 'heroic action' they've seen a classmate do recently? Think about moments when someone was kind, worked really hard, or helped someone out."
(Guide students to give specific examples. Prompt with questions like: "Did someone help you pick up your pencils when they dropped? Did a friend share their crayons? Did you see someone working quietly and staying focused on a tough assignment? How about someone inviting a new student to play?" Emphasize the importance of specific observations.)
Teacher: "See? These are all heroic actions! They might seem small, but they make a BIG difference in how we feel and learn together."
How to Nominate a Hero (7 minutes)
Teacher: "So, how do we get someone into the Hero Chair? It's simple! (Display Hero Chair Slide Deck - Slide 4). We're going to use a Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet."
(Distribute the worksheet to each student.)
Teacher: "Here's how it works: First, you think of a classmate who did something heroic. Then, you'll write their name on the worksheet. Most importantly, you need to describe exactly what they did and why it was heroic. Be specific! Don't just say 'they were nice.' Instead, say 'Sarah was a hero because she saw I was struggling with my math problem and offered to explain it to me patiently.'"
(Model filling out a sample worksheet on the board or projector with a fictional or past example.)
Teacher: "Take a few minutes now to think of a classmate you want to nominate and fill out your worksheet. Remember, be specific about their heroic action and why it mattered."
(Circulate and assist students as they fill out their worksheets.)
Hero Chair Ceremony (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Okay, everyone, let's hear about some of our classroom heroes! Who would like to share their nomination?"
(Call on a few students. As a student shares, invite the nominated student to sit in the Hero Chair. Encourage the class to give a round of applause or a positive affirmation.)
Teacher: "That's wonderful! It feels good to recognize others, doesn't it? I've also been noticing some amazing heroics this week..."
(Teacher can share their own observation and have that student sit in the chair. Ask the student what made them do that heroic act.)
Teacher: "We'll collect these nominations, and I'll keep an eye out for more heroic actions throughout the week. We'll continue to celebrate our heroes!"
Wrap Up and Reflection (3 minutes)
Teacher: "To wrap up, remember that being a hero and noticing heroes are both important. Let's do our Hero Chair Cool Down. Please complete this short reflection before you go."
(Distribute Cool Down or direct students to a digital version.)
Teacher: "Thank you for being such thoughtful and heroic learners today! Keep those eyes open for more classroom heroes!"
Warm Up
Hero Chair Warm Up: What's a Classroom Hero?
Think about our classroom and the people in it.
What does it mean for someone to be a "hero" in our classroom?
Give one example of a heroic action you might see.
Worksheet
Hero Chair Nomination Worksheet
My Name:
I nominate this classmate to sit in the Hero Chair:
Here is the heroic action I saw them do: (Be specific! What did they do? When did they do it?)
Why was this action heroic and how did it help our classroom or someone in it?
Cool Down
Hero Chair Cool Down: Reflection
- What is one new thing you learned about being a "classroom hero" today?
- What is one positive action you could do tomorrow to be a hero in our classroom?