Seeds of Kindness

Hope

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Seeds of Kindness Session 1 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to recognize and understand others’ feelings by defining empathy and practicing empathetic responses in paired role-plays.

Building empathy helps 3rd graders develop social awareness and stronger relationships by understanding and responding to others’ emotions.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, modeling, and role-play.

Materials

Chart Paper, Colored Markers, Sticky Notes, Timer, Empathy Scenarios Cards, Feelings Wheel Printable, and Empathy Reflection Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print Empathy Scenarios Cards, Feelings Wheel Printable, and Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
Gather Chart Paper, Colored Markers, Sticky Notes, and a Timer.
Review the Seeds of Kindness Session 1 Lesson Plan.

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and greet them warmly.
Display the Feelings Wheel Printable and ask volunteers to point out how they feel today.
Prompt discussion: “What does empathy mean?” Record keywords on chart paper.

Step 2

Direct Instruction

10 minutes

Define empathy: caring about and understanding how someone else feels.
Model empathy: read a sample scenario and say, “I see you’re sad; I’m here to help.”
Invite students to share times someone showed them empathy.

Step 3

Activity: Empathy Role-Play

10 minutes

Divide students into pairs and give each pair an Empathy Scenarios Cards.
In pairs, students read their scenario, decide how the person might feel, and role-play an empathetic response.
After each role-play, students share the feeling they identified and the response they chose; record key ideas on chart paper.

Step 4

Cool-Down & Reflection

5 minutes

Distribute sticky notes and the Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
Ask students to write one way they will show empathy today.
Invite volunteers to stick their notes on an “Empathy Wall” and briefly share.

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Slide Deck

Seeds of Kindness – Session 1

Recognizing and Understanding Empathy

Welcome students to the first session of Seeds of Kindness. Greet them warmly and set a positive tone for learning about empathy.

Today’s Objectives

• Define empathy in our own words
• Identify different feelings using the Feelings Wheel
• Practice showing empathy through paired role-plays
• Reflect on how we’ll show empathy today

Read each bullet aloud. Encourage students to listen for ways they will participate today.

Exploring Emotions

Use the Feelings Wheel to:
• Name how you feel right now
• Notice how many different emotions there are
• Remember that others may feel differently

Project or hand out the Feelings Wheel Printable. Invite volunteers to point to how they feel today and name the emotion.

What Is Empathy?

Empathy means caring about and understanding how someone else feels.
• We notice others’ emotions.
• We try to imagine how they feel.
• We respond with kindness and support.

Define empathy and model with a short scenario: “If someone falls on the playground and looks upset, we might say ‘I see you’re hurt. Is there anything I can do to help?’”

Activity: Empathy Role-Play

In pairs, pick one scenario card.
Read the situation and decide how the person feels.
Role-play an empathetic response.
Share your feeling and response with the class.

Divide students into pairs. Hand out the Empathy Scenarios Cards. Explain the 10-minute timer.

Reflection & Cool-Down

On your sticky note or worksheet, write one way you will show empathy today.
Stick it on our “Empathy Wall” and share if you’d like!

Distribute sticky notes and the Empathy Reflection Worksheet. Encourage each student to write one way they’ll show empathy today.

Great Job Today!

Remember:
Empathy helps us connect and care for each other.
Keep noticing feelings and practicing kindness!

Praise students for their participation. Remind them that empathy is a skill to practice every day.

Worksheet

Empathy Scenarios Cards

Instructions: Cut out the scenario cards below. In pairs, pick a card and practice an empathetic response. After your role-play, share how the person might feel and what you could say or do to help.

Your friend dropped their lunch tray in the cafeteria and spills food everywhere. They look embarrassed and upset.

A classmate didn’t understand the homework and looks frustrated as they stare at their paper.

Someone in your group forgot to bring a pencil and is looking worried they can’t finish the activity.

A student just lost their pet and is talking about how sad they feel.

Your friend tripped on the playground and scraped their knee. They are sitting alone and holding their leg.

A classmate got a low score on a test and looks disappointed as they put their head down.

Someone in line at recess looks nervous because it’s their turn to play a new game and they don’t know the rules.

A friend is celebrating a birthday but mentions they feel lonely because their family is far away.

A classmate is crying because they miss their sibling who moved to a different school.

Someone looks anxious before presenting their project in front of the class.

Reading

Feelings Wheel Printable

How to Use:

Hang this wheel on the wall or pass out a copy to each student.
When you check in, point to or circle the word that best matches how you feel.
Notice that some words are in the same category to help you explore similar feelings.

1. Happy

• Joyful
• Excited
• Playful
• Proud

2. Sad

• Lonely
• Disappointed
• Bored
• Guilty

3. Angry

• Frustrated
• Upset
• Jealous
• Annoyed

4. Scared

• Worried
• Nervous
• Frightened
• Shy

5. Surprised

• Curious
• Amazed
• Shocked
• Excited

Tip for Teachers: Lead a brief discussion by asking, “Who can point to a feeling you had today?” Then invite volunteers to share a time they felt that way. This helps students build vocabulary and recognize emotions in themselves and others.

Worksheet

Empathy Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

1. One way I will show empathy today:

2. Think of a time someone really understood how you were feeling. Describe what happened and how it made you feel:

3. Why do you think showing empathy is important in our classroom community?

Lesson Plan

Seeds of Kindness Session 2 Lesson Plan

Students will understand and practice gratitude by defining gratitude, writing entries in a gratitude journal, and creating thank-you cards to express appreciation.

Cultivating gratitude boosts students’ positive mindset, social awareness, and classroom community by helping them notice and celebrate the good around them.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, guided journaling, and creative expression.

Materials

Chart Paper, Colored Markers, Gratitude Journal Template, Thank-You Card Template, Envelopes, and Stickers

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print the Gratitude Journal Template and Thank-You Card Template.
Gather Chart Paper, Colored Markers, Envelopes, and Stickers.
Review this lesson plan and preview the templates linked above.

Step 1

Warm-Up

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and greet them.
Ask each student to name one thing they’re grateful for today.
Record a few responses on chart paper to model sharing positively.

Step 2

Direct Instruction

7 minutes

Define gratitude: noticing and appreciating good things in our lives.
Read aloud a short scenario (e.g., a friend helps you carry books) and ask: “How might we feel? How could we show thanks?”
List synonyms for “thankful” on chart paper (e.g., appreciative, grateful).

Step 3

Activity: Gratitude Journaling

8 minutes

Distribute the Gratitude Journal Template.
Prompt students to write or draw three things they’re thankful for today.
Encourage detail: Who or what, and why does it matter?
Walk around to support and ask follow-up questions.

Step 4

Activity: Thank-You Card

7 minutes

Hand out the Thank-You Card Template.
Ask students to choose one person in the school community to thank (peer, teacher, staff).
Decorate the card, write a brief message of thanks, and add stickers.
Place cards into envelopes and address them.“

Step 5

Reflection & Share

3 minutes

Invite a few volunteers to share what they wrote in their journal or card.
Reinforce that expressing gratitude makes both giver and receiver feel good.
Encourage students to deliver their cards today or tomorrow.

Slide Deck

Seeds of Kindness – Session 2

Gratitude: Noticing and Appreciating the Good

Welcome students to Session 2 of Seeds of Kindness. Set a warm, positive tone as you introduce the theme of gratitude.

Today’s Objectives

• Define what gratitude means
• Share things we’re thankful for
• Practice gratitude journaling
• Create thank-you cards to express appreciation
• Reflect on how gratitude makes us feel

Read each objective aloud. Encourage students to think about how gratitude can impact their lives and our classroom community.

Warm-Up: Gratitude Circle

Go around the circle—each student names one thing they’re grateful for today.
Record a few responses on chart paper.
Discuss: How did it feel to share something positive?

Gather students in a circle. Use chart paper to record responses. Highlight the variety of things classmates appreciate.

What Is Gratitude?

Gratitude means noticing and appreciating the good things in our lives.
• We pay attention to positives.
• We say “thank you” with our words and actions.

Synonyms: thankful, appreciative, grateful

Define gratitude and model examples. Ask students for synonyms as you list them on the board.

Activity: Gratitude Journaling

Take your Gratitude Journal Template.
Write or draw three things you’re thankful for today.
For each, include who or what it is and why it matters.
Add color or details to make your page bright!

Distribute the Gratitude Journal Template. Circulate to support students as they write or draw.

Activity: Making Thank-You Cards

Choose someone in our school community to thank.
Decorate your card and write a heartfelt message.
Add stickers and place it in an envelope.
Address it so you can deliver your card.

Hand out the Thank-You Card Template, envelopes, and stickers. Encourage creativity.

Reflection & Share

• Who would like to share one thing from your journal or a message from your card?
• How did it feel to say “thank you”?
• How might our friends feel when they receive a card?

Invite a few volunteers to share what they wrote or created. Emphasize how sharing gratitude helps everyone feel valued.

Great Job Today!

Remember:
Gratitude helps us focus on the good around us and makes others feel appreciated.
Keep noticing, sharing, and spreading thanks!

Praise students for their thoughtful work. Encourage them to continue noticing good things and expressing thanks.

Worksheet

Gratitude Journal Template

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions: Write or draw three things you are grateful for today. For each, describe what or who it is and why it matters to you.

1. Something I’m grateful for:

Why it matters:

2. Something I’m grateful for:

Why it matters:

3. Something I’m grateful for:

Why it matters:

Feel free to add color, drawings, or stickers to make your journal page bright and personal!

Worksheet

Thank-You Card Template

Instructions:

Print this page without borders.
Fold the paper in half vertically along the dotted line so that the front cover faces out.
Decorate the cover, then write your message inside.

--- fold here ---

Front Cover (Outside)

Decorate this cover and write a big “THANK YOU!”

--- fold here ---

Inside Left (Decoration)

Use this space to draw a picture or add stickers:

Inside Right (Message)

Dear ___________________________,

Thank you for ____________________________________________________

From, ___________________________

Lesson Plan

Seeds of Kindness Session 3 Lesson Plan

Students will learn to plan and carry out acts of kindness by brainstorming ideas, completing a kindness action plan, and creating personalized kindness cards.

Engaging in intentional acts of kindness builds empathy, social awareness, and a stronger classroom community by empowering students to make positive contributions.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Brainstorming, planning, and creative expression.

Materials

Chart Paper, Colored Markers, Sticky Notes, Acts of Kindness Planning Worksheet, and Kindness Cards Template

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print the Acts of Kindness Planning Worksheet and the Kindness Cards Template.
Gather Chart Paper, Colored Markers, and Sticky Notes.
Review this lesson plan and the linked worksheets.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Kindness Sharing

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle.
Ask each student to share one kind thing they have done or experienced recently.
Record examples on chart paper to highlight different ways to show kindness.

Step 2

Direct Instruction: What Is a Random Act of Kindness?

7 minutes

Define a random act of kindness: doing something nice for someone without being asked.
Provide 3–4 examples (e.g., helping carry books, writing a thank-you note).
Ask students for additional ideas and list them on chart paper.

Step 3

Activity: Plan Your Kindness Act

8 minutes

Distribute the Acts of Kindness Planning Worksheet.
Prompt students to fill in:
• The act they will do
• Why it matters
• Materials needed
• When and where they will do it
• How they will deliver kindness
Circulate to support and encourage detailed plans.

Step 4

Activity: Create Kindness Cards

8 minutes

Hand out the Kindness Cards Template.
Ask students to decorate the cover and write a heartfelt message inside for their planned recipient.
Use stickers or drawings to personalize each card.

Step 5

Reflection & Next Steps

2 minutes

Invite a few volunteers to share their kindness plan and card message.
Encourage students to carry out their acts of kindness and deliver their cards today or tomorrow.
Collect cards if needed for distribution.

Slide Deck

Seeds of Kindness – Session 3

Acts of Kindness: Planning and Sharing Kindness

Welcome students to Session 3 of Seeds of Kindness. Introduce the theme of planning and sharing acts of kindness.

Today’s Objectives

• Define a random act of kindness
• Share examples of kind actions
• Plan our own kindness act
• Create personalized kindness cards
• Reflect on how we’ll share kindness

Read the objectives aloud. Encourage students to think about how they will make kindness happen.

Warm-Up: Kindness Sharing

Go around the circle—each student shares one kind thing they’ve done or received.
Record examples on chart paper.
Notice the many ways we can show kindness.

Gather students in a circle. Invite each student to share one kind thing they have done or experienced recently.

What Is a Random Act of Kindness?

A random act of kindness is doing something nice for someone without being asked.

Examples:
• Helping carry books
• Writing a thank-you note
• Sharing a compliment
• Picking up litter on the playground

Define a random act of kindness and model with 2–3 examples. Invite students to contribute additional ideas.

Activity: Plan Your Kindness Act

Take the Acts of Kindness Planning Worksheet.
Write: what act you will do, why it matters, materials needed, when and where, and how you’ll deliver it.
Add details so you can carry out your plan successfully.

Distribute the planning worksheet. Explain each section and encourage detailed thinking.

Activity: Create Kindness Cards

Use the Kindness Cards Template.
Decorate the cover and write a heartfelt message inside for your planned recipient.
Personalize with stickers or drawings.

Hand out the kindness card template along with markers and stickers. Encourage creativity.

Reflection & Next Steps

• Who would like to share their kindness plan and card message?
• When and how will you carry out your act of kindness?
• Plan to deliver your cards today or tomorrow.

Invite volunteers to share their plans and card messages. Reinforce the importance of follow-through.

Great Job Today!

Remember:
Kindness makes our classroom and community a better place.
Keep planting seeds of kindness every day!

Praise students for their thoughtful work. Encourage them to continue showing kindness every day.

Worksheet

Acts of Kindness Planning Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions: Use this worksheet to plan your act of kindness in detail.

1. Who will you show kindness to? (Friend, classmate, teacher, etc.)

2. What act of kindness will you do?

3. Why is this act meaningful? Why does it matter?

4. What materials or resources will you need?

5. When and where will you carry out your kindness act?

6. How will you deliver or show your kindness? (Describe steps)

7. How do you think the person will feel when they receive your kindness?

8. How do you think you will feel after doing this act of kindness?

Worksheet

Kindness Cards Template

Instructions:

Print this page without borders.
Fold the paper in half vertically along the dotted line so the front cover faces out.
Decorate and write a message inside to make someone’s day brighter!

--- fold here ---

Front Cover

Decorate the cover with drawings or stickers and write a big kindness title:

--- fold here ---

Inside Left (Decoration)

Use this space to draw a picture that shows kindness or add stickers:

Inside Right (Kindness Message)

Dear ___________________________,

I wanted to share a little kindness with you because ____________________________________________________

I hope this makes you smile today!

From, ___________________________

Lesson Plan

Seeds of Kindness Session 4 Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their kindness journey by sharing experiences, discussing what they learned, and collaborating to create a class Kindness Mural that celebrates empathy, gratitude, and acts of kindness.

Reflection helps students internalize social-emotional skills, recognize their growth, and strengthen classroom community through shared celebration and collaborative art.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, reflection, collaborative art

Materials

Large Poster Paper, Colored Markers, Sticky Notes, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Gather Large Poster Paper, Colored Markers, Sticky Notes, and a Timer.
Choose a visible wall or bulletin board area for the Kindness Mural.
Review students’ past activities from Sessions 1–3 to reference during discussion.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Share Acts of Kindness

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and prompt each to share one act of kindness they carried out from their plan.
Record key words on chart paper to highlight different themes (empathy, gratitude, helpfulness).

Step 2

Reflection Activity: Sticky Note Reflections

10 minutes

Distribute three Sticky Notes to each student.
On Note 1, write “My Kindness Act” and describe the action they did.
On Note 2, write “How I Felt” and describe their emotions.
On Note 3, write “How They Felt” and guess how the recipient felt.
Set a 7-minute timer for writing, then invite a few volunteers to read one note each.

Step 3

Discussion: Celebrate & Connect

5 minutes

Review the recorded themes and volunteer notes.
Ask: “What did we learn about kindness?” and “How can we keep practicing these skills?”
Encourage connections to future classroom routines.

Step 4

Activity: Create Kindness Mural

8 minutes

Unfold the Large Poster Paper and title it “Our Seeds of Kindness.”
Invite students to place their Sticky Notes on the mural in themed clusters (empathy, gratitude, kindness).
Use Colored Markers to add drawings or words around clusters reflecting feelings and actions.

Step 5

Cool-Down & Celebration

2 minutes

Step back as a class to admire the Kindness Mural.
Praise students for their participation and growth.
Remind them that this mural will stay on our wall as a reminder to keep planting seeds of kindness every day.

Slide Deck

Seeds of Kindness – Session 4

Reflection & Celebration: Our Kindness Journey

Welcome students to Session 4 of Seeds of Kindness. Introduce today’s focus on reflecting together and creating our class Kindness Mural.

Today’s Objectives

• Share the acts of kindness we carried out
• Reflect on how kindness made us and others feel
• Discuss key learnings about empathy and gratitude
• Collaborate to create a class Kindness Mural
• Celebrate our growth and plan to keep practicing kindness

Read each objective aloud. Encourage students to think about how far they’ve come and what they’re excited to share.

Warm-Up: Share Acts of Kindness

Go around the circle—each student names their kindness act.
Record key words on chart paper under themes: empathy, gratitude, helpfulness.
Notice the variety of ways we showed kindness.

Gather students in a circle. Invite each student to briefly share the one kindness act they completed.

Reflection Activity: Sticky Note Reflections

Note 1 – “My Kindness Act”: Describe what you did.
Note 2 – “How I Felt”: Write your emotions afterward.
Note 3 – “How They Felt”: Guess how the recipient felt.
Write for 7 minutes, then invite a few volunteers to share.

Distribute three sticky notes to each student. Explain each prompt and set a timer.

Discussion: Celebrate & Connect

• What did we learn about kindness?
• How did showing kindness affect you and others?
• How can we make kindness part of our daily routine?

Review the chart paper and volunteer notes. Lead a discussion to draw connections and lessons.

Activity: Create Kindness Mural

Title the poster “Our Seeds of Kindness.”
Cluster sticky notes by theme (empathy, gratitude, kindness).
Use markers to add illustrations and words around each cluster.

Unfold the poster paper titled “Our Seeds of Kindness.” Guide students to place sticky notes and add drawings.

Cool-Down & Celebration

• Great work celebrating our kindness journey!
• This mural will remind us to keep planting seeds of kindness every day.
• Let’s continue practicing empathy, gratitude, and kindness together.

Step back and admire the completed mural. Praise students and remind them of next steps.