Interactive Compassion Circles for Young Learners

Lula Mehari

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Interactive Compassion Circles Lesson Plan

Students will engage in compassion circles, sharing and listening to cultivate empathy and enhance interpersonal skills in a respectful community environment.

This lesson encourages active listening and empathy, essential skills for social-emotional development and creating a supportive classroom community.

Audience

Elementary/Middle School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Through structured sharing and reflection within circle activities.

Materials

Interactive Compassion Circles Lesson Plan, and Slide Deck for Compassion Circles

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Review the Interactive Compassion Circles Lesson Plan for structure and key points
Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck for key discussion prompts and reflection questions
Arrange the seating to form a circle to facilitate discussion and ensure all students can see each other
Prepare a quiet and respectful environment by establishing ground rules for listening and sharing

Step 1

Introduction and Ground Rules

10 minutes

Introduce the concept of compassion circles and explain the importance of empathy and active listening
Establish ground rules for sharing (e.g., one person speaks at a time, respect everyone's voice, maintain confidentiality by not sharing outside the circle)

Step 2

Circle Sharing Activity

20 minutes

Organize students in a circle and invite each student to share their thoughts or feelings on a given prompt
Encourage students to listen attentively and silently, with no interruptions until the speaker finishes
After each share, allow a moment for reflection or brief comments from peers if appropriate

Step 3

Guided Reflection

10 minutes

Facilitate a discussion on how sharing and listening made them feel
Ask guided reflection questions such as: What did you learn about your classmates? How can empathy help us in everyday interactions?
Summarize key insights and reinforce the value of compassion in building a supportive community

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

Recap the day’s activities and review the established ground rules
Encourage students to continue applying active listening and empathy in their daily interactions
Provide any follow-up resources or reflections for further personal growth

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Interactive Compassion Circles

Welcome to our Compassion Circle! Today, we'll explore empathy, active listening, and how sharing can build a stronger, more supportive community.

Introduce the topic. Explain what compassion circles are and why empathy and active listening are important. Share a warm welcome message and set positive expectations.

Objectives & Ground Rules

• Engage in circle sharing
• Practice empathy and active listening
• Respect each other’s voice
• Maintain confidentiality

Present the lesson objective and key points. Emphasize the importance of respect and careful listening throughout the circle activity.

Circle Sharing Activity

Each student will share a thought or feeling in our circle. Listen carefully without interrupting and reflect quietly after each share.

Encourage students to prepare for their turn. Provide a clear prompt and remind students to focus on sharing thoughts and feelings respectfully.

Guided Reflection

Reflect on:

How sharing made you feel
What did you learn about your classmate's experience?
How can empathy improve our daily interactions?

Guide students to reflect on the sharing activity, discussing what they learned and how they felt. Ask prompting questions.

Closure

Today we:
• Practiced empathy
• Listened actively
• Shared respectfully
Keep applying these skills in your everyday life!

Summarize the key points of the session, revisit the ground rules, and encourage students to continue practicing empathy outside of the circle.

Thank You!

Thank you for engaging with compassion and empathy. Let’s continue building a supportive community together.

Thank the students for their participation and acknowledge their courage in sharing. Encourage continued growth and understanding.

Lesson Plan

Interactive Compassion Circles for Young Learners Lesson Plan

Young learners will participate in age-appropriate compassion circles to practice sharing, listening, and understanding, fostering empathy in a supportive setting.

Adapting the lesson for 1st to 6th graders supports early social-emotional development and encourages a respectful, kind classroom environment.

Audience

1st to 6th Grade Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Using simple language and engaging, interactive activities.

Materials

Interactive Compassion Circles for Young Learners Lesson Plan, and Slide Deck for Compassion Circles

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

Review the lesson plan to ensure age-appropriate language and examples.
Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck prompts for young learners.
Arrange seating in a circle to promote an inclusive discussion setting.
Set clear, simple ground rules for respectful listening and sharing.

Step 1

Introduction & Simple Ground Rules

10 minutes

Explain the idea of a compassion circle using simple words (e.g., 'We take turns sharing our feelings and listening to our friends').
Set easy-to-understand rules such as one person speaks at a time and everyone listens carefully.
Use a short story or example to show why sharing and listening are important.

Step 2

Circle Sharing Activity

20 minutes

Organize students in a circle and prompt each student to share something positive or a simple feeling (e.g., happy, excited, a fun moment).
Encourage students to listen attentively with no interruptions.
Optionally, provide a talking stick or object to designate the speaker's turn.

Step 3

Guided Reflection

10 minutes

Ask simple questions like: How did it feel to share? What did you learn about a friend today?
Facilitate a group discussion with very simple language to help them understand empathy.
Reinforce that every feeling is important and valued.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

Summarize the key points: sharing, listening, and caring for our friends.
Remind them to use these skills every day at school and at home.
Thank students for their respectful participation and discuss one fun takeaway from the circle.