Caring for Each Other

These three short activities help kindergarten through grade two students care for each other. Each activity is simple, warm, and easy to run in one class session.

At a Glance

• Activity Type: Discussion, Art, and Empathy Practice
• Duration: One class session
• Class Size: Whole class
• Age Group: Kindergarten to Grade 2

Learning Objectives

• Students will care for each other.
• Students will describe a kind act and how it made them feel.
• Students will come up with a specific way to show kindness or help a friend.

Materials Needed

• Paper for each student
• Crayons, markers, or other art supplies for drawing

Exercise 1: Sharing Kindness

1. Ask the students to think of a time when someone was kind to them.
2. Ask them to describe what that person did that was kind and how it made them feel.
3. Then, ask them to think of a time when they can be kind to someone else.
4. Encourage them to come up with a specific way they can show kindness to another student.
5. Have them share their ideas with the class and then encourage them to put their ideas into action.

Exercise 2: Showing Appreciation Through Art

1. Ask the students to create a picture or drawing that shows appreciation for a friend.
2. Encourage them to use colors, shapes, and patterns to express their feelings.
3. Once they have finished, have them share their artwork with the class and explain why they made it.
4. Then, ask them to give their artwork to a friend as a gift.

Exercise 3: Practicing Empathy

1. Ask the students to think about how they would feel if they were in a friend’s shoes.
2. Ask them to describe how they would feel if they were feeling sad, scared, or left out.
3. Then, ask them to come up with a specific way they can help a friend who is feeling that way.
4. Have them share their ideas with the class and then encourage them to put their ideas into action.

Discussion Questions

• What is one kind thing someone has done for you?
• How did that kindness make you feel?
• What is one specific way you can show kindness to a classmate today?

Assessment

Look for each student sharing an idea, naming how kindness feels, and choosing a specific kind action they can put into practice.

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