Kind Clicks Lesson Plan Kind Clicks Only
Lesson Plan: Digital Empathy & Footprints
5th Grade
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will learn to communicate kindly in digital group messages and recognize how their online actions contribute to their lasting digital footprint. They will practice empathetic messaging and evaluate positive versus negative footprints.
Why This Matters
This lesson builds empathy and responsible online behavior, helping students create respectful digital spaces and understand that their online actions impact their reputation.
Materials
Slide Deck
Teacher Script
Student Worksheets
Discussion Prompts
Empathy Activity Cards
Preparation (5 Minutes)
Review Slide Deck for flow and visuals.
Read Teacher Script for discussion cues.
Print Worksheets (1 per student).
Cut Discussion Prompts for pair sharing.
Cut Empathy Activity Cards for groups.
Lesson Roadmap
1
Introduction & Hook
5 MIN
Display Slide 1 .
Ask: "What makes a message kind?" and record responses.
Briefly introduce the term digital footprint .
2
Presentation
10 MIN
Advance through Slides 2–6 using the Teacher Script .
Focus on: lasting effects of posts and positive vs. negative footprints.
Pause to check for understanding and invite quick questions.
3
Guiding Discussion
5 MIN
Distribute Discussion Prompts to pairs.
Students discuss kind responses for their specific scenario.
Invite 2–3 pairs to share their ideas with the class.
4
Activity
8 MIN
Hand out the Worksheet and Empathy Activity Cards .
Students identify kind/unkind messages and practice rewriting them.
Circulate to support and encourage thoughtful rewrites.
5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
2 MIN
Summarize: kindness in messages and positive footprints.
Action step: share one way to be kinder online.
Take the Kind Clicks pledge together.
Kind Clicks Slide Deck Kind Clicks Only
Communicating with Kindness & Care
Today we’ll learn how to be kind in group messages and keep a positive digital footprint.
What Makes a Message Kind?
Respectful language
Helpful tone
Empathy with others
Clear and polite words
What Is a Digital Footprint?
Your digital footprint is the trail of messages, posts, and comments you leave online.
Think of it like tracks in the sand that don't wash away.
Why It Matters
1
It's a lasting record of what you say.
2
It influences how others see you.
3
It can affect future opportunities.
Positive vs. Negative Messages
Avoid This
"You’re so slow, hurry up!"
Try This
"Take your time—let me know when you’re ready!"
Think About It
Scenario
Your friend didn’t get invited to a group chat.
"What kind message could you send to include them?"
Pair Discussion
1
Read your prompt card.
2
Decide on a kind reply.
3
Be ready to share!
The Commitment
Kind Clicks Pledge
"I will always think before I type, choose kind words, and protect my positive digital footprint."
Think
Connect
Kind
Kind Clicks Teacher Script Teacher Script: Kind Clicks Only
GRADE 5 • DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
1
Slide 1: Welcome to Kind Clicks Only
Teacher: “Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our lesson called Kind Clicks Only . Today we’re going to learn how to be kind in group messages and how the words we type leave a lasting mark—our digital footprint .”
[PAUSE: Turn and talk with your neighbor]
“To start, talk with your neighbor: What makes a message kind? ”
After 30 seconds:
“Who would like to share one of your ideas?”
Possible Responses: “Using nice words,” “Helping someone,” “Using emojis.”
2
Slide 2: What Makes a Message Kind?
Teacher: “Here are four traits of a kind message. I’ll read them, and then we’ll talk about each one.”
Respectful language
Helpful tone
Empathy with others
Clear and polite words
“First, what does respectful language mean? ... Exactly, respect means treating others the way you want to be treated. Empathy means imagining how someone else feels.”
3
Slide 3: What Is a Digital Footprint?
Teacher: “A digital footprint is the trail of messages, posts, and comments you leave online—just like footprints in sand. Every time you send a message, you leave a mark that others can follow.”
“Can you think of a time when you posted something online? Even if you delete something, someone might have already seen it. Your footprint stays.”
4
Slide 4: Why Your Digital Footprint Matters
Teacher: “Why does this footprint matter? Because it can influence how others see you and even affect future opportunities—like getting into a club or even college one day!”
“Imagine if an adult looked at your messages years from now—what would you want them to see?”
5
Slide 5: Positive vs. Negative Messages
Teacher: “Here are two messages. Which one would you rather have people remember about you? The positive one shows kindness and respect. Tone makes a huge difference in our footprint.”
6
Slide 6: Scenario: A Friend Feels Left Out
Teacher: “Imagine your friend wasn’t invited to a group chat. Take 30 seconds to think of a kind message you could send to include them.”
[Wait for 30 seconds]
“Who wants to share their kind reply? These are excellent ways to show empathy!”
7
Slide 7: Pair Discussion
Kind Clicks Worksheet Kind Clicks Only
Student Activity Sheet
NAME:
DATE:
1
Identify Kind vs. Unkind Messages
Circle the correct choice for each message below.
“Great job on your project! I’m proud of you.”
Kind Unkind
“Why are you so slow? Hurry up already!”
Kind Unkind
“You’re doing fine—I’m here if you need help.”
Kind Unkind
2
Rewrite Unkind Messages
How can you make these messages kinder? Write your new message on the lines.
1. “You never listen to me; stop talking.”
2. “LOL, you’re so weird.”
3. “I don’t want to play with you.”
3
Empathy in Action
Look at the Empathy Activity Cards . Choose one tip and write it below. Then, use that tip to write a kind message to a friend who feels left out.
Empathy Tip Chosen:
Your Kind Message:
4
Reflect on Your Digital Footprint
Why is it important to think before you type? How does choosing kind words help you keep a positive digital footprint?
Keep Your Clicks Kind!
Kind Clicks Discussion Prompts Discussion Prompts
Kind Clicks Only • Pair-Share Activity
Instructions: Print and cut these cards. Use the suggested skills to write a kind reply.
Prompt 1
Feeling Ignored
Your friend posted a question in the chat but got no answers and seems discouraged.
Try this skill:
I-statement or Open Question
Write your message:
Prompt 2
Hurt by a Comment
A classmate shared their artwork and someone wrote, “That’s so weird.” They look upset.
Try this skill:
Constructive Feedback (Compliment + Suggestion)
Write your message:
Prompt 3
Silent Team Member
One group member hasn’t spoken up during your project chat. They might feel left out.
Try this skill:
Open Question or Active Listening
Write your message:
Prompt 4
Embarrassing Mistake
A student made a typo and others are teasing them. They seem embarrassed.
Try this skill:
Active Listening or I-statement
Write your message:
Prompt 5
Clarifying Details
A new classmate asked, “When do we meet?” but no one answered.
Try this skill:
Clarifying Question or Clear Information
Write your message:
Prompt 6
Disappointed Friend
A friend shared, “I failed my test,” and seems down.
Try this skill:
I-statement and Open Question
Write your message:
Prompt 7
Unkind Message Resurfaced
Someone saved a screenshot of an unkind message you sent last month.
Try this skill:
I-statement (acknowledging impact) + Feedback
Write your message:
Prompt 8
Misunderstood Message
A message you posted was misinterpreted and made someone feel excluded.
Try this skill:
Clarifying Question and Active Listening
Write your message:
Kind Clicks Empathy Activity Cards Empathy Activity Cards
Kindness Toolbox • Tips for Better Messages
Tip 1: Acknowledge Feelings
“I can see this has been hard for you. I’m here to help.”
Tip 2: Validate Emotions
“Your feelings matter, and it makes sense you feel that way.”
Tip 3: Ask Open Questions
“What would make you feel included?”
Tip 4: Offer Support
“Would you like me to include you? You’re welcome here.”
Tip 5: Use Encouraging Words
“You’ve got great ideas—please share them!”
Tip 6: Show Understanding
“I understand why that upset you. Let’s figure this out.”
Tip 7: Invite Participation
“What do you think we should do next? Your input matters.”
Tip 8: Express Care
“Just checking in—hope you’re doing okay. Let me know if you need anything.”
© 2026 DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP UNIT • KIND CLICKS ONLY
