Lesson Plan
Kindness Quest
Students will collaborate in teams to complete a scavenger hunt of random acts of kindness, track their good deeds, and share reflections to foster empathy and improve school climate.
This activity builds community by encouraging positive peer interactions, raising awareness of others’ needs, and reinforcing empathetic behaviors that enhance the overall school environment.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Team-based kindness scavenger hunt
Materials
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out all cards from Quest Clue Cards.
- Make copies of the Kindness Tracker Worksheet (one per student).
- Print the Story Share Prompt handout for closing discussion.
- Arrange desks to facilitate team work and ensure clear pathways for the scavenger hunt.
- Review all materials and instructions to anticipate student questions.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students and explain that today’s session is a ‘Kindness Quest.’
- Outline objectives: complete random acts of kindness, track them, and share reflections.
- Emphasize collaboration, empathy, and school-wide impact.
Step 2
Team Formation & Rules
5 minutes
- Divide class into teams of 3–4 students each.
- Distribute a set of Quest Clue Cards to each team.
- Review rules: no roaming beyond designated areas, stay in teams, respect others’ privacy and space.
Step 3
Kindness Quest Activity
20 minutes
- Teams draw a clue card and complete the random act of kindness described (e.g., compliment a peer, help clean a locker).
- After each act, teams record it on the Kindness Tracker Worksheet.
- Once an act is completed, return the card to the bottom of the deck and draw a new one.
- Rotate through as many cards as possible within the time limit.
Step 4
Reflection & Tracker Check
5 minutes
- Call teams back to the meeting area.
- Ask each team to count and report how many kindness acts they completed.
- Briefly discuss any challenges or highlights in fulfilling the quests.
Step 5
Story Share Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Hand out the Story Share Prompt.
- Invite volunteers from each team to share one meaningful experience or story from the quest.
- Conclude by highlighting how small acts can positively impact school climate and encourage students to continue kind behaviors daily.
Slide Deck
Kindness Quest
Teams embark on a scavenger hunt of random acts of kindness to foster empathy and improve school climate.
Welcome everyone! Today we’re launching our “Kindness Quest.” Explain that over the next 40 minutes, students will work in teams to complete random acts of kindness around the classroom and hallways. Emphasize how small positive actions can boost empathy and improve our school climate. Let them know we’ll track deeds and share reflections at the end.
Introduction
• What is the Kindness Quest?
• Objectives:
– Complete random acts of kindness
– Track your deeds on the worksheet
– Share reflections to build empathy
Read through each objective aloud. Reinforce that collaboration is key—everyone contributes. Highlight that every act, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Team Formation & Rules
• Form teams of 3–4 students
• Each team receives a set of Quest Clue Cards
• Rules:
– Stay in designated areas
– Remain with your team
– Respect privacy and space
Explain team setup: groups of 3–4, each gets a deck of Quest Clue Cards. Stress the rules: stay within our designated area, move in your team, and respect others’ privacy and space. Answer any clarifying questions.
Kindness Quest Activity
• Draw a Quest Clue Card
• Complete the act of kindness
• Record it on your Kindness Tracker Worksheet
• Return the card to the bottom and draw another
• Continue for 20 minutes
Launch the activity: teams draw a card, perform the act, record it on the tracker, then draw a new card. Walk around to support teams, celebrate successes, and ensure safety. Give a 5-minute warning before time’s up.
Reflection & Tracker Check
• Count and report completed kindness acts
• Discuss:
– Highlights
– Challenges
– Surprising moments
Pause the activity and bring everyone back. Ask each team to report their total acts. Facilitate a brief discussion: What was easy? What was challenging? What felt most rewarding?
Story Share Cool-Down
• Grab your Story Share Prompt handout
• Volunteers share one meaningful experience
• Highlight the ripple effect of small acts
Distribute the Story Share Prompt. Invite a few volunteers to read their responses or share in pairs. Emphasize active listening and encouragement. Conclude by reiterating how small acts ripple outward in our school community.
Keep the Kindness Going
• Challenge: One act of kindness per day
• Notice & celebrate kindness in peers
• Reflect on the impact you can make
Wrap up with a challenge: continue one act of kindness each day this week. Encourage students to notice and celebrate kindness in others. Thank them for their participation!
Activity
Quest Clue Cards
Each card lists a simple, meaningful act of kindness. Teams draw one card at a time, complete the prompt, record it on the Kindness Tracker Worksheet, then return the card to the bottom of the deck and draw another.
Card Prompts:
- Give a genuine compliment to a peer you don’t usually talk to.
- Write a short thank-you note to a teacher or staff member.
- Pick up any litter you see in the hallway or classroom.
- Help a classmate carry or organize their books and supplies.
- Invite someone who’s alone to join your group for one activity.
- Draw a quick smiley face or kind message on a sticky note and leave it for someone.
- Hold the door open for at least three people coming behind you.
- Offer to help a classmate with a homework problem or study concept.
- Share a school supply (e.g., pencil, eraser) with someone who needs it.
- Say “good morning” or “hello” to five people you pass in the hallway.
- Tell a positive fact or story about your school to a new or visiting student.
- Compliment someone on their effort or growth, not just their achievement.
- Offer to help clean up or organize the classroom area (e.g., straighten chairs).
- Share a favorite book or fun fact with a classmate who hasn’t heard it before.
- Draw a simple piece of artwork (e.g., flower, star) and gift it to someone.
- Ask a classmate how their day is going and really listen to their answer.
Teams can repeat prompts if time allows, focusing on meaningful delivery each time!
Worksheet
Kindness Tracker Worksheet
Use this sheet to record each random act of kindness you complete during the Kindness Quest. Draw prompts from the Quest Clue Cards and, as you finish each one, fill in the details below. Try to record at least 5 acts—and add more if time allows!
Act 1
Description of act:
Who I helped:
How did this act make me feel?
How do I think this act made the other person feel?
Act 2
Description of act:
Who I helped:
How did this act make me feel?
How do I think this act made the other person feel?
Act 3
Description of act:
Who I helped:
How did this act make me feel?
How do I think this act made the other person feel?
Act 4
Description of act:
Who I helped:
How did this act make me feel?
How do I think this act made the other person feel?
Act 5
Description of act:
Who I helped:
How did this act make me feel?
How do I think this act made the other person feel?
Overall Reflection
What did I learn about the power of small acts of kindness?
How will I continue to practice kindness beyond today’s Quest?
Be ready to share one meaningful experience during our Story Share Cool-Down!
Cool Down
Story Share Prompt
As our Kindness Quest comes to a close, take a few minutes to reflect on your experience. Write your responses in the spaces below, then we’ll invite volunteers to share.
1. Which act of kindness did your team complete that felt most meaningful?
2. How did this act make you feel in the moment?
3. How do you think it impacted the person or people you helped?
4. What did you learn about yourself or others through today’s activity?
5. How will you continue to spread kindness in our school beyond today?
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one of their reflections. Practice active listening and celebrate how small acts can lead to big changes in our school community!