Lesson Plan
Play Nice, Play Now!
Students will learn and practice sharing, taking turns, and using words to solve problems when playing with others.
Learning to play without fighting helps children build positive relationships, develop empathy, and enjoy their play experiences more fully, fostering a harmonious classroom environment.
Audience
Pre-K Students
Time
15 minutes per session, 4 weeks
Approach
Interactive discussions, role-playing, and guided practice.
Materials
Small toys (blocks, cars, dolls), Puppets or character cut-outs, Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck, and Play Nice, Play Now! Script
Prep
Gather Materials & Review Content
10 minutes
- Review the Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck and become familiar with the content for each session.
- Gather a variety of small toys (e.g., blocks, cars, dolls) for role-playing and practice activities.
- Prepare puppets or character cut-outs to use for conflict resolution scenarios.
- Review the Play Nice, Play Now! Script to internalize key phrases and discussion points. Ensure you are comfortable leading the discussions and activities for each week's 15-minute session. Adjust as needed.
Step 1
Week 1: Sharing is Caring
15 minutes
- Introduction (3 min): Greet students. Introduce the idea of playing together nicely using Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 1-2. Ask: "What does 'sharing' mean?"
* Discussion (5 min): Talk about why sharing is important. Use examples (e.g., sharing toys, crayons). Show images of sharing on Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 3. Refer to the Play Nice, Play Now! Script for specific phrasing.
* Activity: Share a Toy (5 min): Provide a few desirable toys. Model sharing. Have students practice sharing one toy amongst themselves for short periods. Use phrases like "My turn, your turn."
* Wrap-up (2 min): Briefly recap the importance of sharing. Announce next week's topic: Taking Turns. Refer to Play Nice, Play Now! Script for closing statements and slide 4.
Step 2
Week 2: Taking Turns, Making Friends
15 minutes
- Review & Introduction (3 min): Briefly review sharing. Introduce
Step 3
Week 2: Taking Turns, Making Friends
15 minutes
- Review & Introduction (3 min): Briefly review sharing (e.g., "Remember how we talked about sharing last week? Why is it important?"). Introduce the concept of taking turns using Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 5. Ask: "What does 'taking turns' mean?"
* Discussion (5 min): Explain that taking turns helps everyone get a chance. Discuss situations where taking turns is important (e.g., on the slide, with a swing, during a game). Show visuals on Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 6. Refer to the Play Nice, Play Now! Script.
* Activity: Turn-Taking Game (5 min): Play a simple game requiring turn-taking (e.g., passing a ball, building with blocks one piece at a time). Model and prompt students to say "My turn!" and "Your turn!"
* Wrap-up (2 min): Reinforce the idea that taking turns makes play fair and fun. Announce next week's topic: Using Our Words. Refer to Play Nice, Play Now! Script and slide 7.
Step 4
Week 3: Using Our Words, Not Our Hands
15 minutes
- Review & Introduction (3 min): Review sharing and taking turns. Introduce the idea of using words to solve problems with Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 8. Ask: "What can you say if you want a toy someone else has?"
* Discussion (5 min): Explain that using kind words helps us solve problems without fighting. Discuss simple phrases like "Can I have a turn?" or "I don't like that." Show examples on Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 9. Refer to the Play Nice, Play Now! Script.
* Activity: Problem-Solving Puppets (5 min): Use puppets or character cut-outs to act out simple conflict scenarios (e.g., two friends want the same block). Model how the puppets use words to solve the problem. Have students practice with the puppets.
* Wrap-up (2 min): Emphasize that words are powerful tools for being good friends. Announce next week's topic: Peaceful Play Power-Up. Refer to Play Nice, Play Now! Script and slide 10.
Step 5
Week 4: Peaceful Play Power-Up
15 minutes
- Review & Introduction (3 min): Quickly review sharing, taking turns, and using words. Celebrate how much they've learned! Use Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 11.
* Discussion (5 min): Reiterate that playing nicely means everyone has fun. Ask students what their favorite way to play peacefully is. Discuss why these skills make them great friends. Refer to the Play Nice, Play Now! Script.
* Activity: Free Play with Skills Focus (5 min): Allow for a short period of supervised free play with a focus on observing and prompting the use of learned skills. Offer encouragement and praise when students share, take turns, or use their words.
* Wrap-up (2 min): Congratulate students on becoming "Peaceful Play Champions." End with a positive affirmation. Refer to Play Nice, Play Now! Script and slide 12.
use Lenny to create lessons.
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Slide Deck
Welcome, Friends!
Let's learn to play together!
Welcome students and set a positive tone. Introduce the topic of playing nicely.
Playing Together!
How do we have fun with our friends without fighting?
Introduce the overall theme of the lesson series: playing without fighting. Engage students with a question.
Sharing is Caring!
What does it mean to share?
- Giving friends a turn with toys
- Letting others use your crayons
- Being fair with snacks
Introduce the concept of sharing for Week 1. Provide visual examples.
Sharing Makes Play Fun!
When we share, everyone smiles!
Next week: Taking Turns!
Wrap up Week 1, reminding them of sharing and previewing next week.
My Turn, Your Turn!
Why is taking turns important?
- Everyone gets a chance!
- No one feels left out!
Introduce the concept of taking turns for Week 2. Ask a question to spark discussion.
Taking Turns Examples
- On the slide at the park
- Building with blocks
- Playing a game together
Provide visual examples of taking turns.
Fair Play with Turns!
Taking turns makes play fair!
Next week: Using Our Words!
Wrap up Week 2, reinforcing turn-taking and previewing next week.
Words, Not Hands!
What can you say if you want something?
- "Can I have a turn?"
- "I don't like that."
Introduce the concept of using words for Week 3. Ask students what they can say.
Kind Words Help!
Use your gentle voice and kind words:
- "Please?"
- "Thank you!"
- "Let's share!"
Provide examples of helpful phrases.
Speak Up, Friends!
Your words are strong!
Next week: Peaceful Play Power-Up!
Wrap up Week 3, emphasizing verbal communication and previewing the final week.
Peaceful Play Power-Up!
We've learned to:
- Share!
- Take Turns!
- Use Our Words!
Review all concepts for Week 4. Celebrate their learning.
You Are Peaceful Play Champions!
Keep playing nicely, friends!
Everyone wins when we play together!
Final wrap-up, encouraging continued peaceful play and celebrating their achievements.
Script
Play Nice, Play Now! Script
This script provides guidance for leading the four weekly 15-minute sessions. Remember to be flexible and respond to student engagement.
Week 1: Sharing is Caring
Introduction (3 min)
(Teacher): "Hi friends! I'm so happy to see you today! We're going to learn some super important ways to play together nicely, so everyone has fun. Look at our first slide!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 1). "And this slide asks a big question: How do we have fun with our friends without fighting?" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 2). "Today, we're going to talk about something called sharing. Can anyone tell me what they think 'sharing' means?"
Discussion (5 min)
(Teacher): "Those are great ideas! Sharing means letting a friend use something you have, like a toy or crayons, and then you get it back. It's about being fair!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 3). "Why do you think it's important to share? What happens if we don't share?"
Activity: Share a Toy (5 min)
(Teacher): "Okay, let's practice sharing! I have some fun toys here." (Show the toys). "When we share, we can say 'My turn,' and then when it's time for a friend, we can say 'Your turn.' Let's try! I'll start with this car, then I'll say 'Your turn, [Student's Name]!'" (Model with one toy, then guide students to practice sharing among themselves, reminding them of the phrases).
Wrap-up (2 min)
(Teacher): "Wow, you did such a good job sharing today! When we share, everyone gets to play, and everyone is happy!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 4). "Next week, we're going to talk about another super important way to play nicely: taking turns! See you then, awesome sharers!"
Week 2: Taking Turns, Making Friends
Review & Introduction (3 min)
(Teacher): "Welcome back, amazing friends! Last week, we talked about sharing. Who remembers why sharing is important?" (Allow responses). "That's right! Sharing makes everyone happy! Today, we're going to learn about taking turns." (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 5). "What do you think 'taking turns' means?"
Discussion (5 min)
(Teacher): "You've got it! Taking turns means we wait patiently for our chance, and then we get to do something fun, like go down the slide or play with a special toy." (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 6). "Why do you think taking turns helps us be good friends? What if everyone wanted to go down the slide at the exact same time?"
Activity: Turn-Taking Game (5 min)
(Teacher): "Let's play a game where we practice taking turns! We're going to pass this ball around, and each person gets one turn. When you have the ball, you can gently pass it to the next person and say, 'Your turn!'" (Model the game, guiding students to say 'My turn!' when they receive the ball and 'Your turn!' when they pass it).
Wrap-up (2 min)
(Teacher): "Fantastic turn-taking today! Taking turns makes sure that play is fair and everyone gets a chance to shine!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 7). "Next week, we'll learn how to use our words to solve problems. Keep up the great work!"
Week 3: Using Our Words, Not Our Hands
Review & Introduction (3 min)
(Teacher): "Hello, awesome learners! We've learned about sharing and taking turns. Give yourselves a pat on the back! Today, we're going to learn about how to use our words when we want something, or if something is bothering us." (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 8). "What can you say if you want a toy someone else is playing with?"
Discussion (5 min)
(Teacher): "Super ideas! Using kind words helps us talk about how we feel and what we want, without pushing or yelling. We can say 'Can I have a turn?' or 'I don't like that' if someone is doing something that bothers us." (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 9). "Why do you think using our words is better than pushing or grabbing? How does it make our friends feel?"
Activity: Problem-Solving Puppets (5 min)
(Teacher): "Now, let's meet our puppet friends!" (Bring out puppets/character cut-outs). "Oh no, these two puppets both want the same block! What should they do? Let's help them use their words." (Act out a scenario, modeling the puppets saying phrases like "Can I have a turn?" or "Let's build together."). "Now, you try! How can our puppets solve this problem with their words?" (Guide students to use the puppets to act out solutions).
Wrap-up (2 min)
(Teacher): "You are so smart at using your words! Remember, your words are powerful tools for being good friends and solving problems!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 10). "Next week is our last session, where we'll put all our peaceful play skills together!"
Week 4: Peaceful Play Power-Up
Review & Introduction (3 min)
(Teacher): "Welcome, Peaceful Play Champions! You've learned so much about playing without fighting! We've learned to..." (Pause and encourage students to shout out: "Share!" "Take Turns!" "Use Our Words!") (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 11). "You've got all your peaceful play powers activated!"
Discussion (5 min)
(Teacher): "When we share, take turns, and use our words, what happens to our playtime? Does it make it more fun or less fun? Why do these skills make us such great friends? What's your favorite part about playing nicely with others?"
Activity: Free Play with Skills Focus (5 min)
(Teacher): "Now it's time for some free play! As you play, remember all the amazing skills you've learned. I'll be watching for all those wonderful moments of sharing, taking turns, and using your words!" (Observe and provide gentle reminders or praise when students demonstrate the learned skills).
Wrap-up (2 min)
(Teacher): "Wonderful playing everyone! You are truly Peaceful Play Champions!" (Point to Play Nice, Play Now! Slide Deck Slide 12). "Remember to keep using your sharing, turn-taking, and kind words every day. Everyone wins when we play together! Great job!"