Lesson Plan
What Would You Do? Plan
Students will recognize emotions in others and practice choosing empathetic responses in everyday situations to build social awareness and perspective-taking skills.
Developing empathy and understanding others’ feelings supports positive classroom relationships, improves cooperation, and lays the foundation for respectful social interactions.
Audience
1st Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive scenarios, role-play, and guided reflection.
Prep
Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print and cut out the Feelings Flash Warm-Up Cards and Reflection Circle Prompt Cards
- Load the Choice Scenarios Slides on classroom projector or interactive board
- Gather the Role-Play Relay Activity Set props and assign one scenario card per small group
- Review all materials to familiarize yourself with each scenario and prompt
Step 1
Warm-Up: Feelings Flash
5 minutes
- Hold up each card from the Feelings Flash Warm-Up Cards
- Ask students to name the emotion shown and make the matching facial expression
- Briefly discuss: “When might we feel this way?” to connect feelings to real experiences
Step 2
Activity 1: Choice Scenarios
10 minutes
- Project a scenario from the Choice Scenarios Slides
- Read it aloud and pause to let students think: “What would you do?”
- Invite volunteers to share their response and discuss how each choice might make the other person feel
- Emphasize perspective taking: “How would you feel if you were in their shoes?”
Step 3
Activity 2: Role-Play Relay
10 minutes
- Divide class into small groups and give each a scenario card from the Role-Play Relay Activity Set
- Groups have 2 minutes to plan and act out an empathetic response
- After each role-play, groups pass their card to the next group and repeat until all groups have performed
- Encourage positive feedback: “I liked how you… because it shows you cared”
Step 4
Cool-Down: Reflection Circle
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and distribute a few Reflection Circle Prompt Cards
- Read prompts like “What did you learn about others’ feelings today?” and let students respond
- Conclude with: “How can we use what we practiced to be kind friends every day?”
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
1. Crayon Spill
Mia was coloring a picture when her crayons slid off the table and rolled onto the floor. She looks sad and worried.
What would you do to help Mia and show you care?
Image suggestion: Two children at a table with colorful crayons scattered.
Talking points: "On the table, Mia’s crayons spilled. She looks upset because some crayons rolled away. What can we do to help Mia feel better and get her crayons back?"
2. Left Out at Recess
During recess, everyone is playing tag, but Alex is standing by himself and looks lonely.
What could you do to include Alex so he feels happy and part of the game?
Image suggestion: A small group playing tag while one child stands alone.
Talking points: "Alex wants to join the game, but no one asked him. How could we make Alex feel included?"
3. Friend Who Fell
Sam was running and tripped over a toy. He’s crying and holding his knee.
How can you help Sam feel better and show him you care?
Image suggestion: A child sitting on the ground, another child offering a hand.
Talking points: "Sam tripped and fell, and he’s crying. Let’s think of ways to help Sam feel safe and comforted."
4. Waiting Your Turn
You’re waiting for your turn on the slide. Casey walks right in front of you without asking.
What would you do to solve this problem in a friendly way?
Image suggestion: Two children at a slide, one cutting in front of another.
Talking points: "Jordan is waiting patiently for the slide, but Casey climbed in front. How can we handle the situation kindly?"
5. Found a Lost Toy
You find a toy car on the classroom floor, but no one seems to own it right now.
How can you help find the owner and show you’re thoughtful?
Image suggestion: A child holding a toy looking around to see who it belongs to.
Talking points: "You found a toy car on the floor with no one around. What’s the kind choice you can make?"
Warm Up
Feelings Flash Warm-Up Cards
Use these cards to help students quickly identify and act out different emotions. Hold up each card, ask students to name the feeling, make the matching facial expression, and answer the prompt.
1. Happy
Image: Smiling child with arms up
Prompt: “Show me a happy face. When might you feel happy?”
2. Sad
Image: Child with downturned mouth and slumped shoulders
Prompt: “Show me a sad face. What might make you feel sad?”
3. Angry
Image: Child with furrowed brows and clenched fists
Prompt: “Show me an angry face. What could help you calm down?”
4. Scared
Image: Child with wide eyes and hands near face
Prompt: “Show me a scared face. When might you feel scared?”
5. Surprised
Image: Child with raised eyebrows and open mouth
Prompt: “Show me a surprised face. What surprises you?”
6. Excited
Image: Child jumping with open mouth smile
Prompt: “Show me an excited face. What makes you excited?”
7. Worried
Image: Child with furrowed brow and hand on chin
Prompt: “Show me a worried face. What can help when you’re worried?”
8. Calm
Image: Child sitting quietly with a small smile
Prompt: “Show me a calm face. What helps you feel calm?”
Activity
Role-Play Relay Activity Set
In this small-group activity, students practice empathetic responses by acting out everyday social scenarios. Each group will plan and perform a short skit showing how they would help or include a friend.
Instructions for Teachers
- Divide students into groups of 3–4.
- Give each group one scenario card.
- Explain: “You have 2 minutes to decide who will play each role and how you will solve the problem kindly.”
- After 2 minutes, each group performs their skit (1–2 minutes).
- After each performance, prompt the class: “What did this group do to show they cared? How did their actions make the friend feel?”
- Rotate cards so each group sees a new scenario. Repeat until groups have performed all cards or time is up.
- Encourage applause and positive feedback after each skit.
Scenario Cards
1. Crayon Spill
Mia’s crayons slid off the table and rolled under desks. She looks sad and worried.
• Show how you would help Mia find her crayons and make her feel better.
2. Left Out at Recess
Alex stands alone while everyone else plays tag. He looks lonely.
• Act out a way to invite Alex into the game so he feels included.
3. Friend Who Fell
Sam tripped over a toy and is sitting on the floor, crying and holding his knee.
• Demonstrate how you would comfort Sam and help him feel safe.
4. Waiting Your Turn
You’re waiting to use the slide when Casey cuts in front of you without asking.
• Role-play a friendly way to solve the problem and take turns.
5. Found a Lost Toy
You find a toy car on the classroom floor with no one around.
• Show how you would find who it belongs to and return it kindly.
Props and Materials Suggestions
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Small toy car or classroom object
• ‘Band-Aid’ stickers or paper bandages
• A toy slide or picture of a slide
• Name badges or role tags (Helper, Friend, etc.)
• Optional: quiet mat or circle rug for ‘cool-down’ moments
Use whatever simple props you have on hand to make each skit feel real and engaging for students.
Cool Down
Reflection Circle Prompt Cards
Use these cards to guide a thoughtful end-of-lesson discussion. Pass out one or two cards and invite students to share their ideas.
1. What did you learn about how others feel today?
2. Which choice from our role-plays showed the most kindness? Why?
3. How does it feel when someone shows they care about you?
4. When could you use empathy at school or at home? Give an example.
5. What will you do tomorrow if you see a friend who seems sad or alone?