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Reflecting on Kindness

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Lesson Plan

Individual Reflection Lesson Plan

Students will recognize the impact of unkind comments about body and food choices and reflect on their behavior, aiming to foster empathy, self-awareness, and respectful communication through guided discussion, written reflection, and goal setting.

Addressing unkind comments helps students understand the emotional impact of their words, build empathy, and develop positive peer relationships. This self-reflection promotes social-emotional growth and respectful interactions.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided dialogue, reflective writing, and self-assessment activities.

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Establish a Safe Space

5 minutes

  • Greet the student warmly and explain that this is a private, non-judgmental conversation
  • Emphasize confidentiality and the purpose of reflection
  • Have student write their name and date on the Reflection Worksheet
  • Introduce the topic: understanding comments about body and food choices

Step 2

Guided Discussion

10 minutes

  • Shuffle the Conversation Prompt Cards and select 3–4 prompts
  • Examples: “What made you notice or comment on their body/food?” “How do you think they felt?”
  • Ask follow-up questions to explore feelings, intentions, and awareness
  • Encourage honest responses and model respectful listening

Step 3

Written Reflection

10 minutes

  • Ask the student to complete sections of the Reflection Worksheet:
    • Describe the situation and what was said
    • Identify their feelings and the other student’s possible feelings
    • Write an apology or kind statement they could share
  • Circulate to offer support or clarify prompts if needed

Step 4

Self-Assessment & Goal Setting

5 minutes

  • Review the student’s responses together using the Self-Assessment Rubric
  • Have the student rate themselves on empathy, awareness, and respectful language
  • Guide the student to set 1–2 specific goals for future interactions
  • Close by affirming their commitment to kindness and growth
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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________

1. Describe the situation

Think about what was said about someone’s body or food choice. Write down what happened in your own words.











2. My feelings

How did you feel at the time? Be honest and specific.






3. How they might have felt

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. What feelings do you think they experienced?






4. A kind response or apology

Write a statement you could say or write to show you understand their feelings and want to be kind.






Optional Reflection:

  • What could you do differently next time?



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Rubric

Self-Assessment Rubric

Reflect on your written responses and rate yourself honestly on each of the following criteria. Circle the number that best describes your work.

Criteria1 Needs Improvement2 Approaching Proficiency3 Proficient4 Exemplary
EmpathyDoes not recognize or describe how the other person felt.Identifies one possible feeling but lacks detail or accuracy.Clearly describes the other person’s feelings with appropriate detail.Demonstrates deep understanding, explains multiple perspectives and emotions.
Awareness of ImpactDoes not acknowledge the effect of the comment.Recognizes that the comment had an effect but cannot articulate what it was.Accurately explains how the comment may have hurt someone.Offers thoughtful insight into the emotional and social consequences of the comment.
Respectful LanguageApology or kind statement is missing, unclear, or insincere.Provides a basic apology or statement but it lacks sincerity, specificity, or respectful tone.Writes a clear, sincere apology or kind statement using respectful language.Crafts a thoughtful, empathetic response that acknowledges feelings, takes responsibility, and suggests action.

Next Steps:

  • Discuss your ratings with your teacher.
  • Identify one area (criterion) to focus on improving.
  • Set a specific goal for your next interaction.
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Slide Deck

Reflecting on Kindness

A private one-on-one session to explore how our words about body and food choices affect others.

Greet the student warmly, explain the purpose of this private session and emphasize confidentiality.

Session Objectives

• Understand the impact of comments on body and food choices
• Reflect on your own feelings and others’ feelings
• Practice crafting kind, respectful responses
• Set goals for future interactions

Read each objective aloud and confirm the student understands what they will accomplish.

Prepare & Establish a Safe Space

Materials:
• Reflection Worksheet
• Self-Assessment Rubric
• Conversation Prompt Cards
• Pens or pencils

Set up a private, non-judgmental area and have the student record their name and date on the worksheet.

Show the materials listed and make sure the student has everything they need. Have them write their name and date on the worksheet.

Guided Discussion Prompts

• What made you notice or comment on their body or food choice?
• How do you think they felt when you said that?
• What was your intention behind your comment?
• How might you feel if someone said that to you?

Shuffle the Conversation Prompt Cards, select 3–4 prompts, and ask follow-up questions to deepen reflection.

Written Reflection Steps

On your Reflection Worksheet:

  1. Describe the situation and exactly what was said
  2. Identify your own feelings at the time
  3. Imagine and record how the other person might have felt
  4. Write an apology or kind statement you could share

Guide the student through each section of the worksheet and offer support if they get stuck.

Self-Assessment & Goal Setting

  1. Use the Self-Assessment Rubric to rate:
    – Empathy
    – Awareness of Impact
    – Respectful Language
  2. Choose 1–2 specific, achievable goals for future interactions

Review their written responses together, then use the rubric to rate and set goals.

Closing & Next Steps

• Commit to your goals and practice kindness daily
• Remember: words have real impact on others’ feelings
• Thank you for your honesty and willingness to grow

Affirm the student’s honesty and growth. Remind them to revisit their goals and check in later.

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Activity

Conversation Prompt Cards

Shuffle the cards and select 3–4 questions to guide your discussion. You can print and cut these into individual cards for a hands-on activity.

Card 1: What made you notice or comment on another student’s body or food choice?




Card 2: How do you think that student felt when you said that?




Card 3: What was your intention when you made that comment?




Card 4: How would you feel if someone said that to you?




Card 5: What could you say or do instead to be kind?




Card 6: What do you think they needed in that moment?




Card 7: How might your comment affect their self-esteem or confidence?




Card 8: Can you recall a time you felt hurt by someone’s words? How did that make you feel?




Card 9: What can you do next time to show understanding and support?




Card 10: How can practicing empathy help you build stronger friendships?

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Script

Reflection Session Script

Use this word-for-word script to guide your 30-minute one-on-one session. Follow the prompts, ask the suggested follow-up questions, and refer to materials by their links for a smooth experience.


1. Establish a Safe Space (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Hi there! Thanks for spending some time with me today. This is a private, non-judgmental space where we can talk openly about something important.”
Teacher: “Everything we discuss will stay between us. The goal is to help you understand how our words about someone’s body or food choices can affect them.”
Teacher: “Before we begin, please write your name and today’s date on your Reflection Worksheet.”

(Pause and allow the student to write.)
Teacher: “Great. Let’s get started.”


2. Guided Discussion (10 minutes)

Teacher: “I have our set of Conversation Prompt Cards here. Let’s shuffle them, and you can pick three or four that stand out to you.”
(Hand cards to student and let them choose.)

For each card chosen:

Teacher (reading the card): “[Read card aloud]
Teacher: “Can you tell me more about your answer?”

Example sequence:

  1. Card: “What made you notice or comment on another student’s body or food choice?”
    Teacher: “What was going through your mind at that moment?”
    Follow-up if needed: “Was there something specific that caught your attention?”

  2. Card: “How do you think that student felt when you said that?”
    Teacher: “What clues do you remember about their reaction?”
    Follow-up: “How do you think you would have felt in their shoes?”

  3. Card: “What was your intention when you made that comment?”
    Teacher: “Were you trying to be funny, helpful, or something else?”
    Follow-up: “Did your intention match the effect the comment had?”

  4. Card: “How might you feel if someone said that to you?”
    Teacher: “What emotions come up when you imagine it?”
    Follow-up: “Does that change how you view your own comment?”

(Continue with any additional cards until you’ve discussed three or four.)

Teacher: “Thank you for being honest. Talking through these questions helps us see things from different perspectives.”


3. Written Reflection (10 minutes)

Teacher: “Now let’s move to your Reflection Worksheet. I’d like you to complete each section in your own words.”

Section 1 – Describe the situation:

Teacher: “Write down what happened and exactly what was said.”
(Pause while student writes.)
Teacher: “Let me know if you need any help remembering details.”

Section 2 – My feelings:

Teacher: “How did you feel at the time? Be honest and specific.”
(Pause.)
Teacher: “It’s okay if the feelings were mixed or confusing.”

Section 3 – How they might have felt:

Teacher: “Try to imagine the other person’s feelings and write them down.”
(Pause.)
Teacher: “Even if you’re not sure, take your best guess—this is about empathy.”

Section 4 – A kind response or apology:

Teacher: “Write a statement you could share to show you understand and want to be kind.”
(Pause.)
Teacher: “Focus on using respectful words and taking responsibility.”

Teacher: “Let me know when you’ve filled out all four parts.”
(Assist if student is stuck: “What could you say to let them know you’re sorry?”)


4. Self-Assessment & Goal Setting (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s review your responses together using the Self-Assessment Rubric.”
Teacher: “For each criterion—Empathy, Awareness of Impact, and Respectful Language—circle the number that best describes your work.”
(Give student time and offer clarification.)

Teacher: “Which one criterion do you want to focus on improving?”
Teacher: “Now, let’s set one specific goal for your next interaction.”

Examples of goals:

  • “I will pause and think before commenting on someone’s body.”
  • “I will ask myself how my words might make them feel.”
  • “I will practice one kind statement each day.”

Teacher: “Write your goal down here:”
(Student writes goal.)


5. Closing & Next Steps (1–2 minutes)

Teacher: “Thank you for your honesty and effort today. Remember, practicing empathy and respectful language takes time.”
Teacher: “Keep your worksheet and rubric somewhere you can revisit. I’ll check in with you soon to see how you’re doing.”
Teacher: “You’re making a positive step toward kindness. Well done!”

End of session.

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Reflecting on Kindness • Lenny Learning