Kindness Counts: Empathy in Action

amy segrest

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Kindness Counts: Empathy in Action

Practice empathy through kindness

This lesson encourages 1st-grade students to recognize and practice empathy through simple acts of kindness. Students will brainstorm and implement kindness projects in their school or community. This lesson is important as it helps young students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a sense of community and understanding among peers.

Audience

1st Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Practice empathy through kindness

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, Chart paper, Discussion Questions, and Kindness Project Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what kindness means.
Ask students to share examples of when someone was kind to them.

Step 2

Discussion on Empathy

10 mins

Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about empathy.
Encourage students to think about how others feel and why it's important to be kind.

Step 3

Brainstorming Kindness Projects

10 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with chart paper and markers.
Ask them to brainstorm simple kindness projects they can do at school or in the community.

Step 4

Sharing Ideas

10 mins

Have each group share their kindness project ideas with the class.
Write down all ideas on a large chart paper for everyone to see.

Step 5

Implementing a Kindness Project

5 mins

Choose one simple project that can be done immediately (e.g., making thank you cards for school staff).
Guide students in starting this project.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

Reflect on the activity by asking students how they felt doing something kind.
Encourage them to continue practicing kindness and empathy in their daily lives.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Empathy

This discussion will help students understand empathy and its importance in everyday actions.

What does it mean to be kind?

Encourage students to think about actions and words that show kindness.

How do you feel when someone is kind to you?

Guide students to express their feelings and relate them to empathy.

Why is it important to think about how others feel?

Help students understand the connection between empathy and kindness.

Worksheet

Kindness Project Worksheet

This worksheet will help students plan and implement a simple kindness project.

What is your kindness project idea?

Think about something simple you can do to help others.

Who will your project help?

Consider who will benefit from your act of kindness.

What materials do you need for your project?

List any items you might need to complete your project.