Lesson Plan

Circle of Smiles Lesson Plan

Students will reflect on their year, share positive qualities about classmates, and practice gratitude and empathy through a fun group Circle of Smiles activity.

This lesson strengthens social–emotional skills by fostering self-reflection, positive peer interactions, and gratitude, building a supportive classroom community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Welcome and Warm-Up

5 minutes

Step 2

Reflect on Growth

8 minutes

Step 3

Circle of Smiles Activity

12 minutes

Step 4

Closing and Assessment

5 minutes

lenny

Slide Deck

Circle of Smiles

Show this first slide to welcome the class. Say: “Good morning, friends! Today we’re going to celebrate all the wonderful things we’ve done this year and share smiles with our classmates.”

My Year in Review

Explain the prompt. Say: “Let’s think about one thing we learned or loved this year. I’ll go first.” Model with your own example. Then invite volunteers.

Circle of Smiles Activity

Guide students to arrange themselves on the rug in a circle. Say: “Now we’ll play our Circle of Smiles game. You’ll pass a smile card and tell something kind about the friend on your card.”

Kind Words Example

Provide a clear example. Say: “I might say, ‘I like when Emma shares her toys with me.’” Encourage students to use simple sentences.

How Do You Feel?

After the shares, show this slide. Ask: “How did it feel to hear kind words?” Point to each face and have students respond.

Great Job, Everyone!

Close the lesson by praising the group. Say: “You all did an amazing job sharing kindness! Let’s give ourselves a big clap!”

lenny

Script

lenny
lenny

Activity

lenny
lenny
lenny

Circle of Smiles

user image

Kiara Harrison

Tier 1
For Schools
lenny-learning-logo

Lenny Learning

Create Lesson

CASEL

Health & Wellness

Behavioral Supports

Counseling & Therapy

Family Engagement

School Climate

Special Education

Academic Integration

Seasonal

Career & Life Skills

Arts & Creativity

My Lessons

My Lessons

Video Library

Video Library

Support

Support

Log In