Kindness Quest

Kylie Taniguchi

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Kindness Quest Lesson Plan

Students will engage in a guided storytelling activity to identify others’ emotions and practice respectful responses, developing empathy and respect in real-life scenarios.

Building empathy and respect in early elementary helps students understand peers’ feelings, fosters positive relationships, and supports emotional development and conflict resolution skills.

Audience

3rd Grade Students

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Interactive storytelling with scenario prompts and guided reflection.

Materials

Empathy Story Prompt Cards, Respectful Response Cards, Kindness Quest Reflection Sheet, Classroom Timer, and Pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Print and cut out the Empathy Story Prompt Cards and Respectful Response Cards.
Make copies of the Kindness Quest Reflection Sheet for each student.
Review each card scenario to familiarize yourself with the prompts and responses.
Set up the classroom timer and gather pencils.

Step 1

Introduction

2 minutes

Briefly introduce the concepts of empathy and respect.
Explain that the student will hear short stories and practice identifying feelings and choosing kind responses.
Emphasize the goal: understanding how others feel and responding respectfully.

Step 2

Guided Storytelling

8 minutes

Present one Empathy Story Prompt Card and read the scenario aloud.
Ask: “How do you think this person feels?” and note the student’s answer.
Show the Respectful Response Cards and have the student select the most respectful reply.
Repeat for three additional scenarios, using the timer to keep each round under two minutes.

Step 3

Reflection and Response

5 minutes

Hand the student the Kindness Quest Reflection Sheet.
Ask them to write or draw one takeaway about empathy and respect.
Invite the student to share their reflection and discuss how they can use respectful responses in class.
Conclude by praising their insights and reinforcing the value of kindness.

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Slide Deck

Kindness Quest

Exploring Empathy and Respect
15-Minute Individual Lesson for 3rd Grade Students

Welcome! Introduce our Kindness Quest lesson. Explain that today we’ll explore two important qualities: empathy and respect, and practice them through a fun activity.

What Are Empathy and Respect?

• Empathy: Understanding how someone else feels.
• Respect: Treating others kindly and valuing their feelings.

Define each term and check for understanding. Ask the student to give a quick example of someone showing empathy or respect in their life.

Story Prompt

Mia drops her books in the hallway and looks upset. How do you think Mia feels?

Read the scenario aloud. Then ask: “How do you think Mia feels right now? Why?” Note the student’s answer before moving on.

Choose a Respectful Response

A) Help Mia pick up her books and ask, “Are you okay?”
B) Laugh and walk away.
C) Push past her to get to class.

Present the three response cards. Encourage the student to choose the kindest and most respectful option. Discuss why it’s the best choice.

Reflection Time

On your Kindness Quest Reflection Sheet, draw or write one way you can show empathy and respect.

Hand over the reflection sheet. Prompt the student: “Draw or write one way you can show empathy and respect in our classroom today.”

Great Job!

Thank you for practicing kindness today!
Remember: Empathy and respect make our classroom a better place.

Praise the student’s insights and reinforce that practicing these skills helps build strong friendships. Encourage them to look for more opportunities each day.

Activity

Empathy Story Prompt Cards

For each card, read the short scenario aloud and ask: “How do you think this person feels?”

Card 1

Jordan walks into the classroom holding a broken pencil that snapped in two. Jordan looks disappointed and frustrated.

Card 2

Maya sits alone at recess, watching other kids play on the swings. She keeps looking around but doesn’t join in.

Card 3

Luis’s art project got torn when he dropped it on the floor. He stares at the paper with sad eyes.

Card 4

Avery lost her favorite toy on the bus this morning. She looks worried and teary as she searches her backpack.

Activity

Respectful Response Cards

For each scenario, read the situation and choose the most respectful reply (A), a neutral reply (B), or a negative reply (C).

Card 1: Jordan’s Broken Pencil

A) “Here, you can use one of my pencils. I know it’s frustrating when they break!”

B) “Oh well, that happened.”

C) Laughs “Nice job breaking your pencil!”

Card 2: Maya Alone at Recess

A) “Hey Maya, would you like to play tag with us?”

B) “Looks like you’re just watching.”

C) “Why are you standing there? Come on!”

Card 3: Luis’s Torn Art Project

A) “Let’s tape it back together. Your drawing is awesome, and I’ll help you fix it.”

B) “That’s too bad it ripped.”

C) “You always make a mess of your projects.”

Card 4: Avery’s Lost Toy

A) “I’ll help you look for it. We’ll find it together!”

B) “Hope you find it soon.”

C) “You lost it again? That’s so careless.”

Worksheet

Kindness Quest Reflection Sheet

Name: _______________________ Date: _______________

1. Draw or write one way you can show empathy to a friend in our classroom.

(Use words, pictures, or both.)

2. Write one respectful thing you could say when you see someone feeling sad.

(Use complete sentences.)

3. Think of a time someone was kind to you.

How did their kindness make you feel?
(Describe your feeling in a few sentences.)

4. How will you practice empathy and respect in our classroom every day?

(List at least two actions you can try.)

Great work! Bring your sheet back to share one of your ideas. Keep practicing kindness and making our classroom a caring place.