Warm-Up: What is Kindness?

Think-Pair-Share:

1. What does it mean to be kind to someone else?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe a time someone was kind to you. How did it make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How does it feel when you are kind to someone else?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Be ready to share your thoughts with the class!

Kindness for You! Teacher Script

Warm-Up: What is Kindness? (5 minutes)

(Display Warm-Up: What is Kindness? on the board)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about a very important topic: kindness. But not just kindness to others, also kindness to ourselves."

"Let's start with a quick warm-up. On your warm-up sheet, please take a few moments to think about and write down your answers to these questions: What does it mean to be kind to someone else? How did it make you feel when someone was kind to you? And how does it feel when you are kind to someone else?"

(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to write. Then, facilitate a brief discussion.)

"Who would like to share their thoughts on what kindness means? What are some ways we show kindness to others? How does it feel when you receive kindness? And when you give kindness?"

"Great ideas! It sounds like kindness is something we all value and it makes us feel good, both when we give it and receive it."

Introduce Self-Compassion (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide Deck: Kindness for You! Slide Deck - Slide: Introducing Self-Compassion)

"Today, we're going to explore a special kind of kindness called self-compassion. Has anyone heard of this term before? What do you think it might mean?"

(Allow a few student responses. Guide them towards the definition.)

"Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same care, understanding, and kindness you would offer a good friend when you're going through a tough time, or when you notice something you don't like about yourself. It's about being your own friend, especially when things are hard."

(Advance to Slide: 1. Self-Kindness)

"Self-compassion has three main parts. The first is Self-Kindness. Instead of being super critical of ourselves, which we often do, self-kindness means being warm and understanding. Think about it: If your best friend made a mistake, would you yell at them, tell them they're terrible, or would you offer support and say, 'It's okay, we all make mistakes, let's figure this out together'?"

"Self-kindness means choosing that supportive voice for yourself. It's about comforting yourself, not judging yourself."

(Advance to Slide: 2. Common Humanity)

"The second part is Common Humanity. This means remembering that all humans struggle, make mistakes, and feel pain. When something tough happens to you, or when you feel bad about something, it's not just happening to you alone. It's a part of being human. Everyone experiences challenges, disappointments, and feelings of inadequacy sometimes. You are not alone in your struggles! This helps us feel less isolated."

(Advance to Slide: 3. Mindfulness)

"The third part is Mindfulness. This simply means being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judging them. It's about noticing when you're feeling sad, frustrated, or angry, and acknowledging those feelings without getting swept away by them or trying to push them away. It's okay to feel these emotions! Mindfulness is just noticing them and saying, 'Okay, I'm feeling X right now.'"

"So, to recap, self-compassion is about:

• Self-Kindness: Being nice to yourself.
• Common Humanity: Remembering everyone struggles sometimes.
• Mindfulness: Noticing your feelings without judgment."

"Now, let's brainstorm some specific 'Acts of Self-Kindness.' What are some practical ways you can show kindness to yourself when you're feeling down, stressed, or when you've made a mistake? We can do this as a class or in small groups. (See Activity: Acts of Self-Kindness Brainstorm)"

(Facilitate the brainstorm activity. Write down student ideas on the board or chart paper.)

Scenario Practice (15 minutes)

(Advance to Slide: Practicing Self-Compassion)

"That was a great list! Now, let's practice applying self-compassion to some common situations. I'm going to hand out the Worksheet: Compassionate Response Scenarios. You can work individually or with a partner to read each scenario and think about how you could apply self-compassion. What would self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness look like in that situation? What would you say or do for yourself?"

(Distribute worksheets. Circulate and assist students as they work. After about 10 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Let's discuss a couple of these scenarios. For Scenario 1, 'You got a lower grade on a test than you hoped for,' what might a self-compassionate response sound like?"

(Call on a few students to share their responses, encouraging discussion and different perspectives.)

"Excellent examples! It's clear that treating yourself with understanding can make a big difference in how you cope with challenges."

Personal Action Plan & Game (7 minutes)

(Advance to Slide: Your Self-Compassion Tool Kit)

"Now, I want you to think about one specific challenge you might face in the near future – maybe it's a difficult homework assignment, a sporting event, a presentation, or just a day when you feel a bit overwhelmed. And then, think of one kind action you can take for yourself when facing that challenge, using what we've learned about self-compassion."

"We're going to create a 'Self-Compassion Jar.' On these slips of paper, I'd like each of you to write down one of your self-compassion actions – something you can do for yourself. Don't write your name. Then, we'll fold them up and put them in this jar. This jar will become a collective resource! If you're ever having a tough day, or you see a friend struggling, you can pull an idea from the jar for some inspiration."

(Distribute slips of paper and the jar. Collect the slips once students have written their actions.)

"This jar is now full of amazing ideas for showing kindness to yourselves and others!"

Closing Reflection (3 minutes)

(Advance to Slide: Reflect and Grow!)

"As we wrap up, I'd like you to complete this Cool Down: Reflection on Self-Compassion as an exit ticket. What is one thing you learned about self-compassion today? Or, what is one way you plan to practice self-compassion this week?"

(Collect the cool-down sheets as students leave or invite a few to share if time permits.)

"Thank you, everyone, for an insightful discussion on self-compassion! Remember to be kind to yourselves."

Activity: Acts of Self-Kindness Brainstorm

What are some ways you can show kindness to yourself?

Think about times when you might need a little extra care or understanding, such as when you:

• Make a mistake
• Feel frustrated or angry
• Are sad or upset
• Are feeling stressed about school or other things
• Are having a bad day

In your groups, brainstorm as many acts of self-kindness as you can! Consider these categories:

• Words: What kind, encouraging things can you say to yourself?
• Actions: What supportive things can you do for yourself?
• Thoughts: How can you change negative thoughts into more compassionate ones?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Be ready to share your best ideas with the class!

Worksheet: Compassionate Response Scenarios

Directions: Read each scenario below. Then, describe how you could apply self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) to respond to yourself in a kind and supportive way. What would you say or do?

Scenario 1:

You studied really hard for a math test, but when you get your grade back, it's much lower than you hoped for. You feel disappointed and a little angry at yourself.

Your Compassionate Response:

Scenario 2:

You accidentally spill paint all over your art project right before it's due. You feel clumsy and upset that your hard work is ruined.

Your Compassionate Response:

Scenario 3:

During a group project, you feel left out because your ideas aren't being heard by your teammates. You start to think maybe your ideas aren't good enough.

Your Compassionate Response:

Scenario 4:

You try out for the school play, but you don't get the part you wanted. You feel sad and a bit embarrassed.

Your Compassionate Response:

Game: Self-Compassion Jar

Purpose: To create a shared resource of self-compassionate actions we can all use!

Materials:

• A jar or container
• Small slips of paper for each student
• Pens or pencils

Instructions:

1. Think of One Action: Reflect on everything we've discussed about self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness).

   • Think of one specific, kind action you can take for yourself when you are facing a challenge, feeling down, or have made a mistake.
   • Examples: Take a few deep breaths, remind myself that it's okay to feel sad, write down my feelings, listen to my favorite song, talk to a trusted adult, go for a short walk, give myself a hug.
     
     

2. Write It Down: On a slip of paper, clearly write down your self-compassionate action. Do not write your name on the paper.
   
   
   
   

3. Fold and Share: Fold your slip of paper and place it into the Self-Compassion Jar. This jar will be a collection of ideas that anyone can draw from when they need a little self-compassion!

How to Play (Ongoing):

• Whenever someone (including you!) is having a tough day, or needs an idea for self-kindness, they can pull a slip from the jar for inspiration.
• This is a reminder that we all need kindness, especially from ourselves, and we have many ways to give it!

Cool Down: Reflection on Self-Compassion

Quick Write / Exit Ticket:

1. What is one new thing you learned about self-compassion today?
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one way you plan to practice self-compassion this week?
   
   
   
   
   

Be prepared to share, or hand this in as you leave!