The Kindness Compass

Jessica Corozza

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Kindness Compass

K-2 students will be able to identify and demonstrate acts of kindness and empathy towards others, and understand how their actions impact others.

Teaching kindness and empathy early helps students develop crucial social-emotional skills, build positive relationships, and create a supportive and inclusive classroom community.

Audience

K-2 Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Storytelling, discussion, and hands-on activity.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Kindness Compass Slide Deck, Markers or chart paper, Kindness Compass Activity, Kindness Catcher Worksheet, and Crayons or colored pencils

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Review the Kindness Compass Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Kindness Compass Slide Deck, Kindness Compass Activity, and Kindness Catcher Worksheet.
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for the slide deck.
- Print enough copies of the Kindness Compass Activity and Kindness Catcher Worksheet for each student.
- Gather crayons or colored pencils for students.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Kindness?

5 minutes

Engage: Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to be kind? What does kindness look like, sound like, or feel like?"
* Share: Allow a few students to share their ideas with the class. Record their responses on the board or chart paper.

Step 2

Introduce: The Kindness Compass Story

15 minutes

Present: Use the Kindness Compass Slide Deck to guide students through an interactive story about a character learning to use their "Kindness Compass."
* Discuss: Pause at key points in the story to ask questions like: "How do you think [character name] feels right now?", "What could [character name] do to show kindness?", or "How might that make the other person feel?" Encourage students to think about different perspectives.

Step 3

Activity: Building Our Kindness Compass

15 minutes

Explain: Introduce the Kindness Compass Activity. Explain that just like a real compass points north, their Kindness Compass helps them find ways to be kind.
* Create: Guide students to complete the activity, drawing or writing examples of kindness they can show at school, at home, and with friends. Circulate and provide support and encouragement.
* Share: Have students share one idea from their Kindness Compass with a partner or the whole class.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Kindness Catcher

10 minutes

Reflect: Distribute the Kindness Catcher Worksheet. Explain that this worksheet will help them

Step 5

Look for Kindness

5 minutes

Challenge: Encourage students to be

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Slide Deck

The Kindness Compass: Guiding Our Hearts!

How do we find our way to being kind?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask students what kindness means to them and record their answers.

What Does Kindness Mean to You?

Turn and talk to a partner: What does it mean to be kind?

What does kindness look like?
What does kindness sound like?
What does kindness feel like?

Prompt students to share their ideas about what kindness looks, sounds, and feels like. Encourage participation.

Meet Lily the Ladybug!

Lily loves to play, but sometimes she isn't sure how to be a good friend. Today, Lily is going to learn all about her Kindness Compass!

Introduce the main character of our story. Build excitement!

Lily's Rainy Day

One sunny morning, Lily saw her friend, Freddie the Frog, sitting all alone with a frown. Freddie's favorite lily pad had floated away!

Tell the first part of the story. Encourage students to think about Lily's feelings and the situation.

How Does Freddie Feel?

If your favorite toy floated away, how would you feel?

What could Lily do to help Freddie feel better?

Ask students how they think Freddie feels and what Lily could do. Guide them towards empathetic responses.

Lily Follows Her Compass!

Lily remembered her heart felt warm when she thought about helping. That was her Kindness Compass pointing the way!

She brought Freddie a new, bright green leaf to play with. "Here, Freddie!" she chirped. "We can share it!"

Continue the story, showing Lily's kind action.

How Did Everyone Feel?

How do you think Freddie felt when Lily shared?

How do you think Lily felt after being kind?

Discuss the outcome of Lily's kindness and how everyone felt.

Your Kindness Compass

Just like a real compass helps you find your way, your Kindness Compass helps you find ways to be kind!

It's that warm feeling in your heart when you think about helping someone or making them smile.

Explain the concept of the Kindness Compass as an internal guide.

Let's Build Our Own Kindness Compass!

Now it's your turn to think about how you can follow your Kindness Compass!

Transition to the activity. Explain that they will create their own compass.

Activity

My Kindness Compass

Just like a real compass helps you find your way, your Kindness Compass helps you find ways to be kind! Think about how you can show kindness in different places and with different people.

Draw or write your ideas in each section of your Kindness Compass.

At School

What can you do to be kind to your teachers and classmates at school?

At Home

What can you do to be kind to your family at home?

With Friends

What can you do to be a kind friend to others?

In My Community

What can you do to be kind to people in your neighborhood or town?

Worksheet

Kindness Catcher

Your Kindness Compass helps you find ways to be kind!

Part 1: Spot the Kindness!

Think about today. Did you see someone being kind? Or did you do something kind?

Draw a picture or write about a kind act you saw or did today!

Part 2: Plan Your Kindness!

Tomorrow is a new day! What is one kind thing you will try to do?

Draw a picture or write about your kindness plan!