Lesson Plan
Kindness in Action Lesson Plan
Students will recognize bullying behaviors, practice kindness strategies through role-play, and reflect on fostering a supportive classroom culture.
Building empathy and teaching respectful communication helps prevent bullying, strengthens peer relationships, and creates a positive learning environment for all students.
Audience
Middle School Students (7th Grade)
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, role-play exercises, and reflective journaling.
Materials
- Kindness Role-play Scenario Cards, - Student Reflection Journal Template, - Kindness Discussion Prompt Cards, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review Kindness Role-play Scenario Cards and Kindness Discussion Prompt Cards.
- Print and cut out all scenario and prompt cards.
- Make copies of the Student Reflection Journal Template for each student.
- Ensure the whiteboard and markers are ready and accessible.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the lesson’s purpose: kindness and anti-bullying.
- Use Kindness Discussion Prompt Cards to ask warm-up questions (e.g., “What does kindness mean to you?”).
- Record key student responses on the whiteboard.
Step 2
Understanding Kindness vs. Bullying
10 minutes
- Ask students to define "kindness" and "bullying" in their own words.
- Provide examples and non-examples; invite volunteers to act out brief scenarios.
- On the whiteboard, create two columns and categorize behaviors as kind or bullying.
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
15 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 3–4.
- Each group selects a card from Kindness Role-play Scenario Cards.
- Groups plan a short role-play demonstrating a positive, respectful response to bullying.
- Encourage use of empathetic language and supportive actions.
- Groups perform their role-plays for the class.
Step 4
Group Debrief
5 minutes
- After each performance, ask presenters to explain the strategies they used.
- Facilitate a discussion: What was challenging? What felt effective?
- Note key takeaways on the whiteboard.
Step 5
Reflective Journaling
7 minutes
- Distribute the Student Reflection Journal Template.
- Prompt: “Reflect on a time you witnessed or experienced unkind behavior. How could kindness have changed the outcome?”
- Students write silently, focusing on personal insights.
Step 6
Closing & Kindness Pledge
3 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share highlights from their journals.
- Lead the class in a verbal kindness pledge: “I pledge to speak kindly and stand up against bullying.”
- Write the pledge on the whiteboard and have students repeat it together.
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Slide Deck
Kindness in Action
A 45-minute lesson to explore kindness, prevent bullying, and build a supportive classroom community.
Grade: 7th | Tier: 1 Classroom Lesson
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Briefly introduce yourself and explain that today’s lesson focuses on kindness and preventing bullying.
Talking Points:
- “Today we’ll learn what kindness really means and why it’s important.”
- “We’ll explore ways to stand up against unkind behavior and practice being supportive friends.”
Lesson Objectives
• Recognize bullying behaviors
• Practice kindness strategies through role-play
• Reflect on ways to foster a supportive classroom culture
Highlight the lesson goals and why they matter.
Talking Points:
- “Our objectives for today are…”
- “Understanding these will help us make our classroom a safe, welcoming space.”
Introduction & Warm-Up
Use Kindness Discussion Prompt Cards:
• What does kindness mean to you?
• How do you feel when someone is kind?
• Why might someone choose not to be kind?
Introduce the warm-up activity using the prompt cards.
Talking Points:
- “I’ll read a question; feel free to share your thoughts.”
- Record key ideas on the board.
Understanding Kindness vs. Bullying
Kindness: Actions that show care, respect, and support.
Bullying: Repeated hurtful behaviors meant to intimidate or harm.
Guide students to define 'kindness' and 'bullying'.
Talking Points:
- “Kindness is… Bullying is…”
- Encourage examples from real life.
Examples & Non-Examples
Kindness Examples:
• Helping a peer who dropped their books
• Offering a genuine compliment
Bullying Examples:
• Spreading rumors
• Excluding someone on purpose
Display examples and non-examples. Invite volunteers to act out quick skits.
Talking Points:
- “Is this kind or bullying? Why?”
Role-Play Activity
- Form groups of 3–4
- Select a card from Kindness Role-play Scenario Cards
- Plan a 1–2 minute scene showing a kind response to bullying
- Perform for the class
Explain the role-play instructions clearly.
Talking Points:
- “In your groups, choose a scenario card and plan a short role-play.”
- “Focus on using empathetic language and supportive actions.”
Sample Scenario Cards
• Teasing in the hallway
• Someone left out at lunch
• Hurtful message on social media
Discuss: What kind action would you take?
Show a few sample cards on screen to guide students.
Talking Points:
- “Here are examples of scenarios you might pick.”
- Encourage creativity and positive solutions.
Group Debrief
Discuss after each role-play:
• Key kindness strategies used
• Challenges faced
• Insights and takeaways
After each performance, prompt reflection.
Talking Points:
- “What strategies did you use?”
- “What felt effective? What was challenging?”
Reflective Journaling
Use the Student Reflection Journal Template
Prompt:
“Reflect on a time you witnessed or experienced unkind behavior. How could kindness have changed the outcome?”
Introduce journaling and distribute templates.
Talking Points:
- “Reflect on a time you saw or experienced unkindness.”
- “How could kindness have changed it?”
Kindness Pledge
I pledge to speak kindly,
stand up against bullying,
and support my classmates.
Guide students through a verbal pledge. Model enthusiasm and sincerity.
Talking Points:
- “Let’s commit to being kind every day.”
- “Repeat after me…”
Thank You & Next Steps
• Keep practicing kindness daily
• Use empathy in your interactions
• Share what you learn with friends and family
Wrap up and thank students for their participation.
Talking Points:
- “Great work today! Remember, small acts of kindness matter.”
- “Feel free to revisit these lessons anytime.”
Activity
Kindness Role-play Scenario Cards
Choose one scenario card and plan a short role-play demonstrating a kind, respectful response. Focus on using empathetic language and supportive actions.
Scenario 1: Teasing in the Hallway
Your classmate is being teased about their glasses by a group of students in the hallway.
• How can you step in and stop the teasing?
• What kind words or actions can you offer?
Scenario 2: Exclusion at Lunch
You notice one student sitting alone every day at lunch while others form groups at nearby tables.
• How might you invite them to join your group or make them feel included?
• What could you say to both the lonely student and your friends?
Scenario 3: Hurtful Social Media Post
A hurtful message about a student is circulating on social media.
• What can you do to support the student who was targeted?
• How can you address the situation with both the victim and the person who posted it?
Scenario 4: Rumor Spreading
A rumor is started about a classmate, and some students are talking about it in class.
• How can you help stop the rumor?
• What positive actions can you take to correct misinformation?
Scenario 5: Laughing at an Accident
A student trips in the hallway and their books scatter everywhere, and others start laughing.
• What steps can you take to help the student and discourage the laughter?
• What kind phrases or gestures can you use?
Scenario 6: Language or Accent Teasing
A peer who recently moved from another country is being teased for their accent.
• How can you show empathy and support for their experience?
• What actions can you take to educate others about respect?
Feel free to add details or adjust roles within your group. Remember to demonstrate:
• Empathy (“I understand how that might feel…”)
• Respectful language
• Active support or intervention (e.g., redirecting the conversation)
Once your role-play is ready, perform it for the class and lead with kindness!
Journal
Student Reflection Journal
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________________
1. Describe a time you witnessed or experienced unkind behavior. What happened?
2. How did it make you feel in that moment?
3. In that situation (or a similar one), what specific kind action could you take to help?
4. How might the situation’s outcome have changed if kindness had been shown?
5. Identify one concrete kindness goal you will commit to this week. How will you carry it out?
Kindness Pledge
I pledge to practice kindness by: ____________________________________________________
Reflect on your answers and be ready to share one key insight or goal with the class tomorrow!
Activity
Kindness Discussion Prompt Cards
Use these prompts to spark conversation about kindness and preventing bullying. Read one card at a time and invite students to share their thoughts.
Prompt 1: What does kindness mean to you?
Prompt 2: Describe a time when someone’s kind action made your day better.
Prompt 3: How do you feel when you see someone being unkind? Why?
Prompt 4: Why might someone choose not to be kind in certain situations?
Prompt 5: What is one small act of kindness you can do today?
Prompt 6: If you saw someone being excluded or left out, what would you do?
Prompt 7: How can you stand up for a classmate who is being bullied?
Prompt 8: How do acts of kindness help build a positive classroom environment?