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Kindness Counts

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Lesson Plan

Kindness Counts Lesson Plan

Students will define kindness, discuss its importance, and practice simple acts of kindness through scenarios and personal reflection.

Teaching kindness builds empathy, positive relationships, and a caring classroom culture that supports social–emotional growth.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, scenario activity, and reflection.

Materials

Kindness Scenario Cards, Kindness Reflection Worksheet, Large Chart Paper and Markers, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

  • Print and cut out each card from Kindness Scenario Cards.
  • Make enough copies of the Kindness Reflection Worksheet for each student.
  • Set up a piece of chart paper and markers in a visible spot in the classroom.
  • Review each scenario and worksheet prompt to ensure familiarity.

Step 1

Introduction to Kindness

3 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle or on the carpet.
  • Ask: “What does kindness mean? ” Invite 3–4 responses.
  • Record key words (e.g., helpful, caring, sharing) on chart paper.
  • Provide a simple definition: “Kindness is doing or saying something to help others feel good.”

Step 2

Discuss Why Kindness Matters

2 minutes

  • Ask: “Why is kindness important? How do you feel when someone is kind to you?”
  • Emphasize that kindness builds friendships and makes everyone feel happy and safe.
  • Link student ideas to the chart words.

Step 3

Scenario Card Activity

5 minutes

  • Pair students and give each pair one Kindness Scenario Card.
  • In pairs, read the scenario and discuss: “What kind thing could we do or say?”
  • After 2 minutes, invite pairs to share their scenario and kindness idea with the class.
  • Acknowledge and praise creative, empathetic responses.

Step 4

Reflection and Commitment

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Kindness Reflection Worksheet to each student.
  • Prompt: Draw or write one kind act you will do today or this week.
  • Circulate to support students as they complete their worksheet.
  • If time allows, invite 2–3 volunteers to share their commitments.
  • Collect worksheets or display them on a kindness bulletin board.
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Slide Deck

Kindness Counts

A 15-minute lesson on kindness for 3rd grade

Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson on kindness. Explain that over the next 15 minutes, we’ll learn what kindness is, why it matters, and practice simple acts of kindness.

What Is Kindness?

Kindness is doing or saying something to help others feel good.

Ask students: “What does kindness mean?” Invite 3–4 responses. Record keywords like helpful, caring, sharing on chart paper. Then share the definition.

Why Kindness Matters

• Builds friendships
• Helps everyone feel happy and safe
• Makes our classroom a caring place

Ask: “Why is kindness important? How do you feel when someone is kind to you?” Link their answers to points on the slide.

Scenario Card Activity

  1. Pair up and read your scenario card.
  2. Discuss: “What kind thing could you do or say?”
  3. Share your idea with the class.

Explain the Scenario Card Activity. Pair students, hand out one Kindness Scenario Card per pair. Give 2 minutes to discuss and then share with the class.

Reflection & Commitment

Draw or write one kind act you will do today or this week.

Distribute the Kindness Reflection Worksheet. Ask students to draw or write one kind act they will do today or this week. Encourage volunteers to share.

Let’s Make Kindness Count!

Remember: Small acts of kindness make a big difference.

Thank students for participating. Remind them: every small act of kindness counts. Encourage them to look for ways to be kind every day.

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Activity

Kindness Scenario Cards

These cards present simple situations for students to discuss and respond with kind actions or words. Print, cut out, and distribute one card per pair or small group.

Scenario Cards:

  1. You see a new student standing alone on the playground. What could you do to help them feel welcome?






  1. A classmate drops their crayons and they roll across the floor. What kind thing could you do or say?






  1. You notice a friend looking sad at lunch. How could you show kindness?






  1. Someone forgot their pencil as class starts. What could you do to help?






  1. A classmate is struggling with a math problem. How can you help them?






  1. At recess, a friend doesn’t have anyone to play with. What could you do?






  1. You see someone being teased and looking upset. What can you say or do?






  1. A friend helped you yesterday, and today they seem worried. How can you be kind back to them?






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Worksheet

Kindness Reflection Worksheet

Name: _______________________ Date: _______________

Think about one kind act you will do today or this week.

  1. Draw a picture of your kind act in the box below:












  1. Write about your kind act. Describe what you will do, who you will help, and how it makes others feel:






Great job! Remember to follow through on your kind act and help make our classroom a caring place.

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Kindness Counts • Lenny Learning