Kindness Counts! Teacher Script

Warm Up: How Are You Feeling? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, wonderful explorers! Today, we are going to talk about something super important: our feelings and how we can be kind to each other. Look at my face... How do you think I'm feeling right now?"
(Pause for student responses, model a feeling like happy or excited).

Teacher: "That's right! I'm feeling happy because I get to spend time with all of you! Now, I want everyone to show me on their face how you are feeling right now. Are you happy? A little sleepy? Super excited? Show me!"
(Observe students and acknowledge a few feelings. Guide them to use Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 1).

Teacher: "Wow, so many different feelings! That's perfectly normal. We all have different feelings, and sometimes our friends have different feelings too. Today, we're going to learn about understanding those feelings."

Introduction to Empathy (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Our big word for today is empathy! Can you say that with me? Em-pa-thy!"
(Say it slowly, have students repeat).

Teacher: "Empathy means understanding how someone else is feeling, even if you don't feel that way yourself. It's like putting on their shoes and imagining what it's like to walk in them for a little while."
(Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 2).

Teacher: "Let's look at this picture on the slide. This little boy lost his balloon. How do you think he feels?"
(Pause for responses, guide towards 'sad' or 'upset').
"What could we do or say to help him feel better?"
(Encourage ideas like 'give him a hug,' 'help him find another balloon').

Teacher: "That's empathy! When you understand he's sad and want to help, you're showing empathy. It's about being a kind friend."
(Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 3).
"Let's look at some more faces. This girl looks... happy! Why do you think she's happy?"
(Discuss responses).
"This boy looks... angry! What might make him angry?"
(Facilitate a short Empathy Discussion using these examples).

Empathy Story Reading (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's read a special story together! Stories can help us learn a lot about feelings."
(Hold up the chosen storybook, e.g., 'The Color Monster').
"This book is about different feelings. As I read, I want you to think about how the characters are feeling and why."
(Read the story, pausing at key moments to ask questions, using prompts from Empathy Story Reading).

Teacher: "How do you think [character name] felt when [event happened]? How do you know? What did [another character] do to show they understood?"

Emotion Faces Worksheet (10 minutes)

Teacher: "That was a wonderful story about feelings! Now, it's your turn to be artists of emotion!"
(Distribute the Emotion Faces Worksheet and crayons/markers. Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 5).

Teacher: "On your paper, you see some blank circles. I want you to draw faces that show different feelings. Can you draw a happy face? A sad face? Maybe even a surprised face? Take your time and make those feelings shine through!"
(Circulate, offer assistance, and ask individual students to describe the emotions they are drawing and why someone might feel that way).

Empathy Role-Play Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "You all did a fantastic job with your emotion faces! Now, let's pretend! We're going to act out some situations and practice showing empathy."
(Guide students to a clear space for role-play. Use small props or puppets if available. Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 6).

Teacher: "Scenario 1: Imagine your friend is building a tall tower with blocks, and it falls down. How would your friend feel? What could you do or say to show you understand and care?"
(Invite a few students to demonstrate. Praise their empathetic actions and words).

Teacher: "Scenario 2: A friend is sitting by themselves and looks a little lonely. How do you think they feel? What could you do to show empathy and include them?"
(Repeat with another scenario, like someone dropping their lunch or needing help with a puzzle. Refer to Empathy Role-Play Activity for more ideas).

Empathy Bingo Game (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Great role-playing everyone! You are becoming empathy experts! Now, let's play a fun game called Empathy Bingo Game!"
(Distribute Bingo cards and markers. Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 7).

Teacher: "On your card, you see pictures of different ways we can show empathy, or different feelings. I will call out a feeling or a way to be empathetic. If you have it on your card, cover it with your marker! The first one to get three in a row shouts 'Bingo!'"

Wrap-Up and Cool Down (5 minutes)

Teacher: "What an amazing job today, empathy explorers! We learned so much about understanding feelings and being kind. Remember, showing empathy makes our classroom and our world a happier place."
(Show Kindness Counts! Slide Deck Slide 8).

Teacher: "For our cool down, I have a special Cool Down Ticket for each of you. On this ticket, I want you to draw one way you can show empathy to a friend or family member this week. How can you make someone feel understood and cared for?"
(Distribute tickets. Collect them as students finish. Briefly introduce the idea of the Project Empathy Tree for future learning if applicable).

Teacher: "You are all becoming wonderful, empathetic friends. Keep looking out for each other!"

How Are You Feeling Today?

Instructions: Look at the different faces below. Circle the face that shows how you are feeling right now!

😊 Happy

😔 Sad

😠 Angry

😴 Sleepy

🤩 Excited

Bonus: Draw your own feeling face here!

Emotion Faces Worksheet

Instructions: Draw a face in each circle to show the feeling!

1. Happy Face

2. Sad Face

3. Angry Face

4. Surprised Face

Empathy Story Reading Prompts

Instructions for Teacher: Choose an age-appropriate storybook that features characters experiencing various emotions (e.g., The Color Monster by Anna Llenas, When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang, My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss). As you read, pause at key moments and use the following prompts to facilitate discussion and encourage empathy development.

Before Reading:

• "Look at the cover of our book. What do you think this story might be about?"
• "Do you see any faces on the cover? How do you think these characters are feeling?"
• "What makes you feel [happy/sad/angry/etc.]?"

During Reading (Pause at key emotional moments):

• "How do you think [Character Name] is feeling right now? Look at their face/body language in the picture."
• "Why do you think [Character Name] feels that way? What happened?"
• "Have you ever felt like that before? What did it feel like?"
• "What do you think [another character] is thinking about [Character Name]
  D's feelings?"
• "What could [another character] do to help [Character Name] if they are feeling [sad/angry]?"
• "If you were [Character Name], what would you want a friend to do for you?"

After Reading:

• "What was your favorite part of the story?"
• "Which character showed empathy in the story? How did they do it?"
• "What did we learn about feelings from this story?"
• "How can we use what we learned from this story to be better friends in our classroom?"
• "Can you tell me about a time you showed empathy to someone, or someone showed empathy to you?"

Empathy Discussion Prompts

Instructions for Teacher: Use these prompts to facilitate a group discussion about empathy. Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Opening Questions:

• "What does it mean to be a good friend?"
• "How do you know when a friend is happy? What do they do?"
• "How do you know when a friend is sad? What do they do?"

Exploring Empathy:

• "We talked about 'empathy.' Who can tell me in their own words what empathy means?"
• "Why is it important to understand how our friends are feeling?"
• "What happens if we don't try to understand how others feel?"

Scenarios and Role-Play (Brief):

• "Imagine your friend dropped their favorite toy and it broke. How do you think they feel? What could you say or do to show them you care?"
• "What if someone looks lonely on the playground? What could you do to show empathy and include them?"
• "What if you accidentally bumped into a friend and they looked upset? What would you do?"

Personal Connections:

• "Can you remember a time when someone showed you empathy? How did it make you feel?"
• "What is one way you can show empathy to someone in our class today?"
• "How can we practice empathy at home with our families?"

Closing Thought:

• "Remember, when we show empathy, we help everyone feel understood and cared for. It makes our classroom and our world a kinder place."

Empathy Role-Play Activity

Instructions for Teacher: Prepare a clear space in the classroom for students to act out scenarios. You can use simple props like dolls, stuffed animals, or dress-up clothes to make it more engaging. Present the following scenarios and invite small groups of students to role-play how they would show empathy. Encourage discussion after each scenario.

How to Play:

1. Introduce the Idea: "Today, we're going to be actors! We'll pretend to be in different situations and practice being kind and understanding friends."
2. Explain Empathy: "Remember, empathy is understanding how others feel and showing them we care. In our role-plays, think about how the person feels and what you can do to help."
3. Present Scenarios: Read each scenario aloud. Ask students to think about:
   • How does the person in the scenario feel?
   • What can you say or do to show empathy?
4. Role-Play: Invite volunteers or small groups to act out the scenario. Encourage them to use their words, faces, and bodies to show feelings and kindness.
5. Discuss: After each role-play, ask:
   • "How did [Character Name] feel?"
   • "What did [Student Actor] do to show empathy? Was that helpful?"
   • "What else could you do in that situation?"

Empathy Scenarios:

Scenario 1: A Friend Drops Their Toy

• Situation: Your friend is playing with their favorite teddy bear, and accidentally drops it in a puddle. The teddy bear gets wet and muddy.
• Feelings: Sad, upset, disappointed.
• Role-Play: What would you say or do to show your friend you understand they are sad and want to help?

Scenario 2: Someone is Left Out

• Situation: You are playing a fun game with some friends, and you notice another child sitting by themselves, looking a little lonely.
• Feelings: Lonely, sad, left out.
• Role-Play: What could you do or say to show empathy and include the lonely child in your game?

Scenario 3: A Friend is Frustrated

• Situation: Your friend is trying to put together a puzzle, but a piece won't fit. They start to frown and look very frustrated.
• Feelings: Frustrated, a little angry, sad.
• Role-Play: How would you show your friend that you understand they are frustrated? What kind words or actions could you offer?

Scenario 4: A Friend is Hurt

• Situation: Your friend trips and scrapes their knee on the playground. They start to cry.
• Feelings: Hurt, scared, sad.
• Role-Play: What would you do to show you care and want to help your friend feel better?

Scenario 5: Sharing Troubles

• Situation: Your friend tells you they are sad because their pet fish is sick.
• Feelings: Sad, worried.
• Role-Play: How would you listen to your friend and show them you understand their feelings about their sick pet?

Empathy Bingo Game

Instructions for Teacher: Prepare Empathy Bingo cards for each student (you can create simple 3x3 grids with images or words representing emotions and empathetic actions). Students will use small markers (like buttons, beans, or torn paper) to cover the squares. Call out the emotions or scenarios below, and if students have a matching square, they cover it. The first student to get three in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) shouts "Bingo!"

How to Play:

1. Distribute Cards: Give each student an Empathy Bingo Game card and a handful of markers.
2. Explain the Goal: "We're going to play Empathy Bingo! When I say a feeling or something kind you can do, check your card. If you have it, put a marker on that spot! The first person to get three in a row says 'Bingo!'"
3. Call Out Items: Use the list below (or your own created cards) to call out feelings or empathetic actions/scenarios one by one. Mix them up!
4. Engage and Discuss: After calling an item, you can briefly ask, "Why might someone feel [sad]?" or "Why is [sharing] a kind thing to do?"
5. Check for Bingo: When a student calls "Bingo!", verify their card to ensure they have correctly marked the items.

Empathy Bingo Call-Outs (Examples for your Bingo Cards):

Feelings:

• Happy 😊
• Sad 😔
• Angry 😠
• Scared 😨
• Surprised 😮
• Confused 😕
• Frustrated 😤
• Excited 🤩
• Shy 腼腆
• Proud 😎

Empathetic Actions/Scenarios:

• Giving a hug 🤗
• Sharing a toy 🤝
• Saying "Are you okay?" 💬
• Helping a friend pick up blocks 💪
• Listening to a friend 👂
• Asking "What's wrong?" 🤔
• Inviting someone to play 👋
• Drawing a picture for a sad friend 🎨
• Saying "I understand" 👍
• Waiting for a friend who is slow 🚶‍♀️
• Offering a tissue to a crying friend 🤧
• Smiling at someone who looks lonely 🙂
• Comforting someone who is hurt 🙏
• Asking if someone needs help ❓
• Being gentle with others 🤲

Example Bingo Card Squares:

(Teacher Note: You will need to create and print physical Bingo cards using these examples or your own variations prior to the lesson.)

Empathy Quiz Answer Key

1. What does a happy face look like?

• Correct Answer: 😊 (Happy face emoji/drawing)
• Reasoning: This assesses basic emotion recognition. Students should draw or identify a universally recognized happy expression.

2. If your friend is crying, how might they feel?

• Correct Answer: Sad
• Reasoning: This assesses the ability to infer feelings from observed behavior. Crying is a common indicator of sadness.

3. What is one kind thing you can do if your friend is sad?

• Correct Answer: Give them a hug / Ask them what's wrong / Try to make them smile / Offer to play (answers may vary, but should show caring and a desire to comfort or help).
• Reasoning: This assesses practical application of empathetic actions. Look for responses that demonstrate understanding and a positive, supportive action.

4. What does empathy mean?

• Correct Answer: Understanding how others feel
• Reasoning: This assesses the core definition of empathy. Students should grasp that it's about connecting with another person's emotional state.

5. It is important to understand how my friends feel.

• Correct Answer: Very important
• Reasoning: This assesses the student's perception of the importance of empathy. A strong affirmation indicates understanding of its value in social interactions.

Empathy Test Answer Key

1. Draw a picture of two friends. One friend looks happy, and the other friend looks sad. How does the happy friend show empathy to the sad friend?

• Guidance for Grading: Look for a drawing that clearly depicts two friends with different emotions (e.g., smiles/frowns). The happy friend should be shown performing an empathetic action towards the sad friend. Examples include:
  • Hugging or comforting the sad friend.
  • Offering a toy or something to cheer them up.
  • Asking, "Are you okay?" or "What's wrong?"
  • Playing a game with them to cheer them up.
• Reasoning: This assesses the ability to visually represent empathy and apply it to a social situation.

2. If your friend drops their snack and is very upset, what is the best thing you can do?

• Correct Answer: Say 'Oh no! Are you okay? Can I help?'
• Reasoning: This assesses the student's ability to choose an appropriate empathetic response in a common scenario. It combines acknowledging feelings with offering help.

3. When someone is quiet and sitting alone, what could you do to show empathy?

• Correct Answer: Invite them to play / Ask if they want to talk / Smile at them / Ask if they are okay (answers may vary, but should show a desire to include or understand).
• Reasoning: This assesses the student's proactive empathetic behavior in a situation where feelings might not be explicitly stated.

4. Empathy means you:

• Correct Answer: Understand and care about other people's feelings
• Reasoning: This directly assesses the understanding of the definition of empathy, similar to the quiz but phrased differently.

5. Tell me about a time you made someone feel happy by being empathetic. What did you do?

• Guidance for Grading: Students should describe a personal experience where they demonstrated empathy, identifying the emotion of the other person and their own empathetic action. The description should indicate a positive outcome (the other person felt happier/better).
• Reasoning: This assesses the student's ability to reflect on and articulate their own empathetic experiences, demonstrating a deeper, personal understanding of the concept.

Project Empathy Tree Guide: Growing Kindness!

Objective: To demonstrate understanding of empathy by identifying empathetic actions and illustrating them to create a classroom "Empathy Tree."

Duration: This project can be introduced as an ongoing activity or completed in short sessions over a few days, after the initial empathy lesson.

Materials Needed:

• Large piece of paper or butcher paper for the tree trunk and branches (or draw directly on a whiteboard/bulletin board)
• Green paper for leaves (various shades)
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Scissors (child-safe)
• Glue stick or tape
• Optional: Glitter, stickers, craft supplies for decoration

Instructions:

Step 1: Create the Tree Trunk (Teacher Prep or Group Activity)

• Draw or cut out a large tree trunk with several branches on a piece of butcher paper or directly on a bulletin board. This will be your classroom Empathy Tree. Label it "Our Empathy Tree."

Step 2: What is Empathy? (Review)

• Briefly review with students what empathy means: understanding how others feel and showing kindness and care.

Step 3: Making Empathy Leaves

• Give each student several pre-cut leaf shapes made from green paper, or have them draw and cut out their own leaves.
• Explain that each leaf will represent a time they showed empathy or a way they can show empathy.
• Prompt: "Think about a time you helped a friend who was sad, shared a toy, listened to someone, or said something kind to make someone feel better. Or, think about a way you will show empathy this week!"
• On each leaf, have students:
  • Draw a picture of their empathetic action or situation.
  • (Optional, for older pre-primary) Dictate or write a few words describing their picture (e.g., "I shared my blocks," "I hugged my friend"). The teacher can help write for them.

Step 4: Growing Our Empathy Tree

• Once students have completed their leaves, have them come up one by one to share their empathetic action with the class (if they are comfortable).
• After sharing, they will glue or tape their leaf onto a branch of the classroom Empathy Tree.
• As the tree fills with leaves, discuss how their kind actions are making the tree (and their classroom community) grow stronger and more beautiful.

Step 5: Ongoing Growth (Optional Extension)

• Keep the Empathy Tree up in the classroom.
• Encourage students to add new leaves throughout the week or month as they observe or perform new acts of empathy.
• Periodically gather as a class to admire their growing tree and share new examples.

Assessment:

• Observe students during the activity for their understanding of empathy and their ability to express empathetic actions. (See Empathy Tree Rubric)
• Review the drawings and any dictated/written descriptions on the leaves for evidence of understanding.

Empathy Tree Project Rubric

Student Name: ________________________

Date: ________________________

Instructions for Teacher: Use this rubric to assess student participation and understanding during the Project Empathy Tree Guide activity. Circle the descriptor that best fits the student's work for each criterion.

Teacher Notes/Comments:

Overall Score:

______ / 12 points

Cool Down Ticket: My Empathy Promise

Instructions: Draw a picture of one way you will show empathy to a friend or family member this week. How will you make them feel understood and cared for?

Bonus: (Optional) If you can, tell your teacher or a grown-up about your drawing! What will you do, and how do you think it will make the other person feel?