Students will learn to craft sincere apologies and develop concrete action plans to repair harm in a 25-minute small-group session.
This lesson builds empathy, social-emotional skills, and a positive classroom climate by teaching students restorative communication and accountability.
Audience
4th Grade Group
Time
25 minutes
Approach
Model, discuss, and practice apology-building together.
Provide each student with a short scenario on slide 3 and ask them to complete their own apology and action plan.
Circulate to offer support and feedback.
Step 5
Cool-Down
2 minutes
Invite 1–2 volunteers to share their apologies and action plans.
Reinforce how taking responsibility and planning to repair harm strengthens relationships.
Remind students they can use these steps anytime they need to apologize.
Slide Deck
Introduction to Restorative Practices
• Acknowledgment: Name the harm caused
• Apology: Express sincere regret
• Action Plan: Describe how you’ll fix it
• Follow-Up: See how the other person feels afterward
Today we’re introducing the idea of restorative practices. Explain each step as you go.
Script: “When we hurt someone, even by accident, repairing relationships involves four steps: 1) Acknowledgment – noticing and naming the harm; 2) Apology – saying you’re sorry; 3) Action Plan – deciding how to make things right; 4) Follow-Up – checking back in to see how everyone’s feeling.”
Sample Conflict Scenario
Alex accidentally knocks over Sam’s art project during class. Paint spills across the paper and the table.
Sam feels upset because they worked hard on the painting.
Read the scenario aloud, then ask students:
“What feelings might Sam have?”
“What part of the four-step process can help here?”
Encourage them to spot the harm and think about repair.
Apology Builder Template
Acknowledgment: “I know I knocked over your painting and ruined your work.”
Apology: “I’m really sorry for not paying attention.”
Action Plan: “I will help you redo the painting or clean the table.”
Follow-Up: “Tomorrow, I’ll check in to see how you feel and if you need more help.”
Model filling in each section with the class, then have students copy this format on their own worksheet.
Prompt: “What words will you choose to show you’ve thought about Sam’s feelings?”
Key Takeaways
• Repairing harm takes responsibility and action.
• A sincere apology includes naming the harm and a plan to fix it.
• Checking back shows you truly care and rebuilds trust.
Reinforce the importance of each component. Ask: “Which step is hardest? Which feels most important?”
Worksheet
Apology Builder Worksheet
Directions
Read the scenario provided by your teacher. Then use the space below to craft each part of your apology and action plan.
Scenario:
Acknowledgment: Describe what happened and the harm caused.
Apology: Write a sincere “I’m sorry” message, naming the feelings of the person you hurt.
Action Plan: Explain what you will do to make things right.
Follow-Up: Describe how you will check back in to see if your apology helped.
