# Circle of Smiles Teacher Script ## Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes) Teacher shows Slide 1: “Circle of Smiles” Teacher says: “Good morning, friends! Welcome to our *Circle of Smiles*! Today we’re going to celebrate all the wonderful things we’ve done this year and share kind words with our classmates. Can everyone show me their biggest smile? (Pause for smiles.) Wow—look at all those happy faces! Now I have three special words for us: *growth*, *gratitude*, and *empathy*. • Growth means how we get better at things. • Gratitude means feeling thankful. • Empathy means caring about how someone else feels. Can you show me a thumbs up if you know what *growth* means? (Pause.) Thumbs up for *gratitude*! (Pause.) And thumbs up for *empathy*! (Pause.) Fantastic!”

## Reflect on Growth (8 minutes) Teacher shows Slide 2: “My Year in Review” Teacher says: “Now let’s think about one thing we learned or really enjoyed this year. I’ll go first. I learned how to **color inside the lines** on my coloring pages. Your turn! When I tap your shoulder, you can share. Try using this sentence starter: **‘I learned how to …’** [Teacher taps Student 1] Student 1 shares. [Teacher taps Student 2] Student 2 shares. Keep going until most students have had a chance. Offer extra wait time or point to a visual if someone needs help.”

## Circle of Smiles Activity (12 minutes) Teacher shows Slide 3: “Circle of Smiles Activity” Teacher says: “Okay, friends—let’s come sit in a big circle on the rug. (Pause as children settle.) I’m going to pass out one *smile card* to each of you. The card has the name of a friend on it. When you get your card, please: 1. Read the name out loud (I’ll help if you need it). 2. Tell us **one nice thing** about that friend. I’ll show you an example. I have a card for Emma. I’ll say, **‘I like when Emma shares her toys with me.’** [Teacher models with Emma’s card.] Now, let’s begin! Here’s our first card.” Teacher passes cards one at a time. After each share, Teacher scribes a quick note on chart paper, e.g., “Emma shares her toys.” If a friend uses gestures, points, or a communication device, respond with excitement and say their kind words for them. Continue until every student has shared.

## Closing and Assessment (5 minutes) Teacher shows Slide 5: “How Do You Feel?” Teacher says: “Wonderful sharing, everyone! Now I want you to tell me how you felt when you heard something nice about you. Look at these faces: 😊 Happy 😃 Proud ❤️ Loved Point to the face that shows how you feel.” [Pause for students to point or gesture.] Teacher says: “I see so many happy, proud, and loved faces! You did an amazing job sharing kindness. Let’s give ourselves a big clap!” Teacher leads class clap. **Assessment & Differentiation:** • Teacher notes each child’s participation and emotional response. • Offer one-on-one encouragement for any child who seemed shy or uncertain. Teacher shows Slide 6: “Great Job, Everyone!” and says: “Thank you for sharing your smiles and kind words today. I’m so proud of each of you!” *End of Lesson.*

Kiara Harrison

1 Lessons

Circle of Smiles

1 Lessons

Circle of Smiles