Donut Worry Lesson Plan 🍩
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Donut Worry, Talk It Out!
Conflict Resolution Strategy Lesson
Audience
Grades 1-4
Time
20 Minutes
Approach
Visual & Interactive Discussion
Objective
Identify & use calm words, listening, and help-seeking skills.
Why This Matters
Learning to resolve conflicts peacefully is a vital life skill that helps students build positive relationships, manage emotions, and create a more harmonious classroom environment.
Teacher Prep
• Review all materials (Slides, Script, Worksheet).
• Print Donut Talk Worksheets for all students.
• Prepare construction paper or index cards for activity.
• Set up projector for Slide Deck.
Lesson Roadmap
3m
Warm-Up: Donut Know What To Do?
Display the warm-up prompt. Students imagine wanting the same toy as a friend and share initial thoughts (think-pair-share or quick draw).
4m
Intro: What's a Conflict?
Use the Slide Deck and Script. Define conflict as a disagreement. Introduce the "Donut Bully, Sprinkle Kindness" theme.
6m
Strategies for Solving Conflicts
Teach 3 strategies: Calm Words , Listen to Others , and Ask for Help . Complete the "Donut Talk Worksheet" in pairs.
5m
Sprinkle Kindness Activity
Students draw/write one way to "sprinkle kindness" during a disagreement on index cards. Collect for a classroom display.
2m
Cool-Down: Donut Know Now I Know!
Distribute the exit ticket. Students complete independently to gauge understanding of the day's strategies.
Materials Checklist
• Donut Worry Slide Deck
• Donut Worry Warm-Up
• Donut Worry Script
• Donut Talk Worksheet
• Sprinkle Kindness Activity
• Answer Key: Donut Talk Worksheet
• Sprinkle Kindness Project & Rubric
• Donut Worry Reading & Quiz
• Exit Ticket: Cool Down
• Construction paper / Markers
Donut Worry Slide Deck 🍩
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Donut Worry,
Talk It Out!
"Donut Bully, Sprinkle Kindness!"
Donut Know What To Do?
Imagine you and a friend both want to play with the same toy.
What do you do?
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What's a Conflict?
A conflict is a problem or a disagreement.
It's when two people want different things or have different ideas.
Example: Two friends want to play different games.
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It's okay to have conflicts!
We just solve them kindly.
1
Use Calm Words
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Don't Yell!
Yelling makes it harder to solve the problem.
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Calm Voice
Speak clearly and kindly so others can hear.
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Say Needs
"I want a turn with the red ball, please."
Calm words help everyone listen better!
2
Listen to Others
👂
Look at them
Show them you are paying attention.
Don't interrupt
Let them finish their whole turn.
Try to understand
Why are they upset? What do they want?
Listening helps you find a solution together!
3
Ask For Help
Sometimes, a problem is still too big to solve alone.
🔍 Find a trusted adult
🗣️ Explain calmly
🙌 Let them help you
Trusted Adults:
Teacher Parent Counselor Sibling
It's smart to ask for help when you need it!
Donut Strategies!
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1. Use Calm Words
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2. Listen to Others
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3. Ask For Help
These help us be kind and solve problems!
Sprinkle Kindness Activity
On your paper, draw or write one way you can "sprinkle kindness" when there's a disagreement.
How can you make it better?
What kind words can you use?
Draw or write your idea!
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Let's fill our class with kindness!
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Donut Worry,
Keep Sprinkling!
You are now conflict-solving superheroes!
Thank you for being kind!
Donut Worry Warm-Up 🍩
Donut Know What To Do?
Name:
Date:
Let's warm up our brains with a quick problem!
The Situation
Imagine you and a friend both want to play with the same toy.
What do you do?
Draw a picture or write your answer in the giant donut box below!
Remember: There are many ways to solve a problem!
Donut Worry Script Donut Worry Script
Facilitator Guidance & Discussion Cues
Teacher Resource
Total Time: 20 Minutes
Warm-Up
3 Minutes
Visual Cue: Slide 2 or Warm-Up Handout
"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: how to handle problems and disagreements, especially when we want to be kind!"
"Let's start with a quick warm-up. Take a look at the screen. Imagine you and a friend both want to play with the same toy. What do you do?"
"Take a moment to think about it. You can draw a quick picture or jot down a few words... What's the very first thing you would do?"
Pause for 1 minute • Call on 2-3 students
Introduction
4 Minutes
Visual Cue: Slide 3 - What's a Conflict?
"Look at our first donut slide! Does anyone know what a conflict is? It might sound like a big word, but it's really just a simple idea."
"That's right! A conflict is just a problem or a disagreement. It's when two people want different things... like one friend wanting tag and another wanting to read. That's a little conflict!"
"The important thing is how we handle them. We want to be 'Donut Bully, Sprinkle Kindness' kind, right?"
Strategies
6 Minutes
Visual Cue: Slide 4 - Calm Words
"Our first 'Donut Sprinkle' strategy is: Use Calm Words . Imagine someone is yelling at you. Does that make you want to listen? Probably not!"
"We speak in a kind, clear voice. Like saying, 'I want to play with the red ball now, please,' instead of 'GIVE ME THAT BALL!'"
Visual Cue: Slide 5 - Listening
"Our second strategy is: Listen to Others . This one is so important! Look at them, let them finish talking, and try to understand their side of the story."
Visual Cue: Slide 6 - Asking for Help
"Our third strategy is: Ask for Help . Sometimes a problem is too big. It's smart to ask a trusted adult like a teacher or parent. Explain the problem calmly and let them help you find a fair solution."
Activity & Wrap-Up
7 Minutes
Visual Cue: Slide 8 & Activity Handout
"Now for a fun activity. I want you to draw or write one way you can sprinkle kindness when there's a disagreement. Think about how you can make the situation better."
"Remember to keep practicing these skills every day. Thank you for sprinkling kindness!"
Donut Talk Worksheet ✨
Donut Talk: Solving Problems!
Which Sprinkle Strategy would you use?
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
1 Use Calm Words
2 Listen to Others
3 Ask For Help
1
You and your friend both want to be first in line for the slide. You both start to push a little bit.
Circle Strategy:
Use Calm Words
Listen to Others
Ask For Help
Why is this a good choice?
2
Your classmate is telling you why they are upset about a game, but you really want to tell them your side. You keep interrupting.
Circle Strategy:
Use Calm Words
Listen to Others
Ask For Help
Why is this a good choice?
3
You and your friend have been arguing all morning about who broke a crayon. You both are feeling really frustrated and can't agree.
Circle Strategy:
Use Calm Words
Listen to Others
Ask For Help
Why is this a good choice?
4
Someone accidentally knocked over your tower of blocks. You feel angry and want to shout at them.
Circle Strategy:
Use Calm Words
Listen to Others
Ask For Help
Why is this a good choice?
Keep sprinkling kindness! 🍩✨
Donut Worry Reading 🍩
Donut Worry, Talk It Out!
Reading Guide
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Hi friends!
Have you ever had a day when you wanted to play with one toy, but your friend wanted to play with another? Or maybe you thought a game should go one way, and your classmate thought it should go a different way? If you have, you've experienced something called a conflict.
A conflict is just a problem or a disagreement. It happens when people want different things or have different ideas. It's totally normal, and it happens to everyone! Even grown-ups have conflicts. The good news is, we can learn how to solve conflicts in a kind way, so everyone feels better.
The "Donut Sprinkle" Strategies
1 Use Calm Words
When you're in a disagreement, it's easy to get frustrated. But shouting or using mean words doesn't help anyone! Instead, try to use calm words . This means speaking in a kind, clear voice. Say what you need or how you feel without yelling. For example, instead of, "Give me that!" you could say, "I would like a turn with that toy, please."
2 Listen to Others
This strategy is like giving your ears a superpower! When someone else is talking about the problem, really listen to them . Look at them while they talk. Try not to interrupt, even if you're excited to share your side. Let them finish. When you listen, you learn what the other person is thinking and feeling.
3 Ask For Help
Sometimes, even after trying to use calm words and listening, a problem might still feel too big to solve on your own. That's okay! It's super smart to ask for help from a trusted adult. This could be your teacher, a parent, a counselor, or even an older sibling. Asking for help isn't giving up; it's being brave and wise!
By remembering these strategies, you can be a conflict-solving superstar and continue to "Donut Bully, Sprinkle Kindness" everywhere you go!
Donut Worry Discussion Guide Discussion Prompts
Facilitating Meaningful Conversations
Teacher Guide
Topic 1: Identifying Conflicts
Topic 2: Using Calm Words
Topic 3: Listening to Others
Topic 4: Asking for Help
Topic 5: Applying Strategies
Imagine two friends both want to use the same swing during recess. How can they use our "Donut Sprinkle" strategies to solve this?
What if someone accidentally bumps into you and makes you drop your lunch? How can you use calm words and listening to handle this situation kindly?
Sprinkle Kindness Activity Handout ✨
Sprinkle Kindness Activity
Let's fill our class with kindness sprinkles!
What To Do
Think about what you learned today about solving conflicts.
On your paper or card, draw or write one way you can "sprinkle kindness" when there is a disagreement with a friend.
Think: How can you make the situation better? What kind words can you use? What kind actions can you do?
When you are done, your teacher will collect your ideas to make a Kindness Sprinkle Wall!
Kindness Ideas
Sharing a toy Saying "I'm sorry" Taking turns Inviting them to play Using a calm voice
Your Kindness Sprinkle Card
Draw or write your kindness idea here!
Conflict Resolution Game 🏁
Donut Dash: Conflict Solving Race!
Classroom Cooperative Game
Goal
3 Kindness Sprinkles
How to Play
Divide into Teams: Split the class into 2-3 small teams.
Strategy Cards: Give each team a set of the three strategy cards: "Calm Words," "Listen to Others," and "Ask For Help."
Scenario Time: The teacher draws a scenario card and reads it aloud.
Team Huddle: Teams have 30 seconds to discuss the best strategy.
Show Your Strategy: On the count of three, teams hold up their cards.
Explain & Discuss: One team explains why they chose that strategy.
Earn Sprinkles: Correct justifications earn a "Sprinkle Kindness" card!
Materials Needed
Scenario cards (provided below)
Team strategy cards (Calm Words, Listen, Ask for Help)
Basket or hat
Tokens/stickers for "Kindness Sprinkles"
Scenario Cards
1
You and a friend are building a tall tower, but your friend keeps using all the biggest blocks. You feel frustrated.
2
Someone accidentally steps on your drawing and rips it. You feel sad and a little angry.
3
You and your partner for a project can't agree on what colors to use. You both think your idea is the best.
4
Two students are arguing loudly on the playground about whose turn it is on the monkey bars, and it's getting very noisy.
5
You see a friend looking very sad because another student took their pencil without asking and won't give it back.
Cut out these strategy cards for each team
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Use Calm Words
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Listen to Others
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Ask For Help
Answer Key Donut Talk Worksheet Answer Key
Donut Talk Worksheet: Solving Problems!
Teacher Resource
1
You and your friend both want to be first in line for the slide. You both start to push a little bit.
Suggested Strategies:
Use Calm Words Listen to Others Ask For Help
Reasoning: Pushing is unsafe. Using calm words to express wanting to be first, or suggesting a way to take turns, is a good first step. If both students are still pushing and can't agree, asking for help from a teacher or adult is important for safety and fairness.
2
Your classmate is telling you why they are upset about a game, but you really want to tell them your side. You keep interrupting.
Suggested Strategies:
Listen to Others
Reasoning: To solve a problem, you need to understand the other person first. Listening shows respect and helps you get all the information before you share your own feelings.
3
You and your friend have been arguing all morning about who broke a crayon. You both are feeling really frustrated and can't agree.
Suggested Strategies:
Use Calm Words Listen to Others Ask For Help
Reasoning: When frustration is high and no agreement can be reached, it's best to use all three strategies. If calm words and listening aren't working, asking a trusted adult for help is the wisest choice to ensure a fair solution.
4
Someone accidentally knocked over your tower of blocks. You feel angry and want to shout at them.
Suggested Strategies:
Use Calm Words Listen to Others
Reasoning: Choosing to use calm words instead of shouting is crucial. You might also listen to see if they apologize or explain it was an accident, which can help calm the situation before needing adult help.
Sprinkle Kindness Project Guide 🍩
Sprinkle Kindness Project Guide
Design a "Donut Worry" Helper!
Goal: Create a visual or written project that shows how to use our "Donut Sprinkle" strategies to solve a conflict and sprinkle kindness! Choose ONE option below.
1
Option 1: Conflict-Solving Comic Strip
Create a comic strip (3-4 panels) that tells a story about two characters having a conflict and how they use one or more "Donut Sprinkle" strategies to solve it.
• Show characters & a problem
• Show the strategy solution
• Show the kindness outcome
• Use speech bubbles & drawings
Character & Setting Area
2
Option 2: "Donut Worry" Strategy Poster
Design a poster that explains one of our "Donut Sprinkle" strategies (Calm Words, Listen to Others, or Ask For Help).
• Strategy name as big title
• Explanation of what it means
• Drawing of it in action
• A kindness message
Poster Layout Area
3
Option 3: "Kindness Recipe"
Write a "Kindness Recipe" that outlines the steps to solve a conflict using our strategies and sprinkle kindness.
• Creative recipe name
• Ingredients (e.g., 2 cups Listening)
• Step-by-step instructions
• Serving suggestion (outcome)
Ingredients List Area
Submit on a separate sheet of paper or digitally. Be creative!
Sprinkle Kindness Rubric Project Rubric
Sprinkle Kindness Project
Student:
Score:
Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Good 2 - Developing 1 - Needs Work Conflict Resolution Clearly shows 2+ "Donut Sprinkle" strategies in action. Shows 2 strategies with good understanding. Shows 1-2 strategies but lacks clarity. Limited understanding of strategies shown. Kindness Outcome Consistently shows positive outcome and kindness. Shows clear kindness in the resolution. Includes some kindness but could be clearer. Kindness is not clearly demonstrated. Clarity & Layout Very clear, organized, and easy to read. All parts present. Generally clear and organized. Most parts present. Somewhat clear but missing some organization. Unclear, disorganized, or missing many parts. Creativity & Effort Highly creative, original, and shows great thought. Creative and shows good effort. Shows some creativity and basic effort. Little creativity or effort evident. Neatness Project is neat, colorful, and very easy to view. Project is mostly neat and presentable. Project is somewhat messy or hard to read. Project is very messy or difficult to understand.
Teacher Comments Donut Worry Cool Down Exit Ticket 🍩
Donut Know Now I Know!
Name:
Date:
Exit Ticket: Check Your Learning
1. What is one "Donut Sprinkle" strategy you learned today to solve a conflict?
Yell louder
Use Calm Words
Ignore the problem
2. Why is it important to "Listen to Others" when you have a disagreement?
3. If you and a friend can't solve a problem, who should you "Ask For Help" from?
4. Draw a picture of you sprinkling kindness after solving a small problem with a friend!
Draw your kindness picture here!
🍩 You're a conflict solving superstar! 🍩
Donut Know Quiz 🍩
Donut Know How To Solve It?
Name:
Date:
Conflict Resolution Mastery Quiz
1
What is a conflict ?
A fun game to play
A problem or disagreement
A yummy donut
A quiet time to read
2
Which of these is a good way to Use Calm Words ?
Shouting loudly when angry
Talking in a clear, kind voice
Whispering so no one hears
Making angry faces
3
Why is it important to Listen to Others during a conflict?
To tell them they are wrong
To interrupt them
To understand their side
To make them feel bad
4
If you and a friend cannot solve a problem, who should you Ask For Help from?
Another student who is upset
A trusted adult (teacher/parent)
No one, just keep arguing
A television character
5
Imagine you and a friend both want to use the last red crayon. How could you solve this problem?
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