Repair Begins

Derrius Hightower

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Apology Workshop Plan

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.

Materials

Steps to Repair, and Apology Builder

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Review the Apology Workshop Plan thoroughly.
Print one copy of the Apology Builder worksheet per student.
Load and preview the Steps to Repair slide deck to ensure projector or screen works.
Gather writing utensils and seating for a small-group circle.

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Invite students to sit in a circle and share one positive experience they’ve had with a friend recently.
Prompt: “What made that interaction feel good?”
Link their responses to how understanding others’ feelings helps friendships.

Step 2

Direct Instruction

7 minutes

Display slide 1 of the Steps to Repair: Introduction to Restorative Practices.
Explain the four key components: Acknowledgment, Apology, Action Plan, Follow-Up.
Model a genuine apology scenario, thinking aloud as you use each component.

Step 3

Guided Practice

6 minutes

Present slide 2: Sample conflict scenario.
As a group, identify the harm caused and brainstorm an apology using the Apology Builder.
Fill in each section of the worksheet on the board, emphasizing sincerity and specificity.

Step 4

Independent Practice

5 minutes

Distribute the Apology Builder to each student.
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.

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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.