Lesson Plan

Kindness Counts Lesson Plan

Students will define kindness and inclusion, recognize exclusion, and practice inviting peers through discussion and group activities.

Building empathy and a supportive classroom culture reduces social isolation and encourages positive peer interactions.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Step 2

Defining Inclusion

5 minutes

Step 3

Scenario Activity

10 minutes

Step 4

Share Out

5 minutes

Step 5

Reflection

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Kindness Counts!

Welcome students! Introduce today’s lesson on kindness and inclusion. Explain that over the next 30 minutes, they’ll learn what kindness means, recognize when someone is left out, and practice including others.

What Is Kindness?

Engage students by asking: “What is kindness? Why does it matter?” Record their responses verbally. Then guide them toward these key ideas.

Exclusion vs. Inclusion

Introduce exclusion: leaving someone out on purpose. Ask if anyone has felt left out. Then explain inclusion and why it’s important.

Scenario Activity

Explain the scenario activity: students will work in small groups with scenario cards to identify exclusion and brainstorm ways to include the person. Show them where to find the cards.

Share Out

Invite each group to briefly share their scenario and inclusion strategies. As they share, post their sticky notes on the chart paper under “Inclusion Ideas.” Praise thoughtful ideas.

Reflection

Distribute the reflection sheet. Ask students to write one specific way they will show kindness or include someone today. Give a minute to write, then invite a few volunteers to share.

Let’s Be Kind Today!

Thank the students for their participation. Remind them to look for ways to practice kindness and inclusion throughout the day. Encourage them to notice peer interactions and step in when someone is left out.

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Activity

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Worksheet

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Kindness Counts!

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Celina Sanchez

Tier 1
For Schools
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