An SEL Lesson on Kindness for Grade 1 Students

Kindness, a simple yet profound virtue, often slides beneath the radar in mainstream education's academic rigmarole. However, Positive Action, an evidence-based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, seeks to change that by incorporating essential lessons like this one into its curriculum. This particular lesson not only promotes kindness and thoughtfulness but also provides students with a practical framework for implementing them in their daily lives.

The lesson begins with a quick recap of Polly the Friendship Parrot's spyglass, which enables students to see the good in others. The teacher then writes the word "Kindness" on the board, accompanied by its definition, and prompts the students to recite it together multiple times. This repetition helps engrain the concept of kindness in the students’ minds and ensures that it becomes a fundamental aspect of their interactions and worldview.

To foster a deeper understanding of the impact of kind and thoughtful actions, the teacher writes the students' names on the board. Choosing one name at a time, the teacher requests volunteers to suggest kind and thoughtful gestures that can be performed for that particular student. Each suggested action is then written next to the corresponding person's name.

With every name adorned with at least one act of kindness, the teacher encourages the students to take ownership of these actions by choosing a classmate for whom they will perform their suggested act. One by one, students step forward, place their initials next to another student's name, and accept the responsibility to carry out an act of kindness.

Following the distribution of responsibilities, the class collectively puts their hands over their hearts and takes a moment to reflect on their emotions. By observing how they feel about themselves after committing to perform an act of kindness, students develop a deeper understanding of the intrinsic rewards associated with such kind acts.

After the activity, students are urged to reflect on the impact of positive actions. They go through the Positive Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle that comes with practicing kindness and thoughtfulness. This reflective exercise cultivates self-awareness and reinforces the profound connection between doing good and experiencing a sense of personal fulfillment and happiness.

Armed with their newfound understanding of the power of kindness, the students embark on a day-long mission. They become keen observers, actively seeking opportunities to spread kindness. Whether offering a helping hand, a genuine compliment, or a small act of generosity, they embrace the chance to brighten someone's day and foster a more compassionate and inclusive classroom environment.

This Positive Action lesson on kindness and thoughtfulness proves to be a powerful catalyst for cultivating empathy, compassion, and personal growth within the classroom. By incorporating practical exercises and fostering self-reflection, the program empowers students to embrace the transformative potential of small acts of kindness. Through these experiences, students learn that kindness is not merely a virtue to be discussed but a virtue to be actively practiced, ultimately shaping them into caring individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.