Kindness Carousel Lesson Plan
Kindness Carousel
Lesson Plan • 3rd Grade SEL
TIME: 30 MINUTES
Tier 1 Instruction
WHY TEACH THIS?
Teaching kindness helps students develop empathy, build positive relationships, and create a supportive classroom and community environment. These skills are crucial for social-emotional growth and a harmonious society.
OBJECTIVE
Students will brainstorm and record three acts of kindness for peers, family, and community.
APPROACH
Through a gallery walk, guided discussion, and station-based brainstorming.
PREPARATION
- • Review the Slides, Script, and Kindness Wheel materials.
- • Post warm-up questions (e.g., "What does kindness look like?") around the room.
- • Set up 3 'Kindness Stations' (Peers, Family, Community) with chart paper.
- • Prepare a 'Commitment Wall' space with large paper/whiteboard and post-its.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
REQUIRED MATERIALS
-
Whiteboard or projector
-
Markers or pens
-
Spread Kindness Slides
-
Carousel Station Script
-
Acts of Kindness Wheel
-
Post-it notes
LESSON STEPS
05
Warm-Up: Kindness Gallery Walk
5 MINS
- Display warm-up questions around the room (e.g., "What does kindness look like?").
- Have students walk around and silently read the questions, reflecting on their answers.
- Bring students back for a brief share-out using the Carousel Station Script.
05
Introduce Kindness Categories
5 MINS
- Use the Spread Kindness Slides to introduce: Peers, Family, and Community.
- Engage students in a brief discussion about examples for each category.
- Refer to Carousel Station Script for discussion prompts.
15
Kindness Brainstorming Carousel
15 MINS
- Divide students into three small groups. Assign each a starting station.
- Groups rotate every 5 minutes, brainstorming and recording 3 acts on station chart paper.
- Provide each student an Acts of Kindness Wheel to record their favorite ideas.
- Refer to Carousel Station Script for instructions and rotation signals.
05
Commitment Wall & Cool Down
5 MINS
- Have each student choose one act of kindness to commit to this week.
- Students write it on a post-it and add it to the 'Kindness Commitment Wall.'
- Conclude with reflection using the Carousel Station Script.
Spread Kindness Slides
KINDNESS CAROUSEL!
Get ready to explore the power of kindness!
3rd Grade SEL
Kindness Gallery Walk
What does kindness look like?
How does kindness make you feel?
Who has shown you kindness recently?
Teacher Note: Give students 3-5 minutes to silently walk around and read the questions.
What is Kindness?
Sharing our thoughts from the gallery walk!
Empathy
Support
Action
Kindness for Peers
How can we be kind to our friends and classmates?
Sharing
Helping
Including everyone
Kindness for Family
How can we be kind to our family members at home?
Helping with chores
Saying "please" and "thank you"
Listening
Kindness for Community
How can we be kind to people in our community?
Helping neighbors
Keeping spaces clean
Being respectful
Kindness Stations
1
Rotate through three stations.
2
Brainstorm 3 acts of kindness for each.
3
Record your favorites on your wheel!
Don't forget your
Kindness Wheel!
My Kindness Commitment
Choose ONE act of kindness you will do this week!
Write it on a post-it note and add it to our Commitment Wall!
Be a Kindness Spreader!
"Your small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference!"
Carousel Station Script
Teacher Resource
Carousel Station Script
Kindness Carousel Lesson • Facilitator Guide
Tone
Warm, encouraging, and high-energy.
Pacing
Keep rotations snappy (5 mins each).
Goal
Concrete examples of actionable kindness.
1
Warm-Up: Kindness Gallery Walk (5 mins)
Instructional Script "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to start with a 'Kindness Gallery Walk.' Around the room, I've posted a few questions about kindness. I'd like you to walk silently and read each question. Think about your answers, but you don't need to write anything down just yet. We'll discuss them together when you come back to the carpet."
Wait 3-4 minutes, then regroup
"Welcome back! What are some of the questions you read?"
"Great! Now, let's hear some of your thoughts. Who would like to share what kindness looks like to them?"
"How does it feel when someone is kind to you, or when you are kind to someone else?"
2
Introduce Kindness Categories (5 mins)
Instructional Script "Now, let's explore kindness a little deeper. Kindness isn't just one big thing; it's made up of many small actions we do every day. We're going to think about kindness in three special ways: kindness for our Peers, kindness for our Family, and kindness for our Community."
Slide: Peers
"Who are our peers? Exactly! Your classmates, your friends, kids on the playground. What are some ways you can show kindness to your peers?"
Slide: Family
"Next, 'Kindness for Family.' Who is in your family? Right! Parents, siblings, grandparents. How can you be kind to your family members at home?"
Slide: Community
"Finally, 'Kindness for Community.' How can we show kindness to our community—the neighborhood, school staff, even people we don't know?"
3
Kindness Brainstorming Carousel (15 mins)
Instructional Script "Excellent ideas, everyone! Now it's your turn. We're going to do a 'Kindness Carousel.' I've set up three stations labeled 'Peers,' 'Family,' and 'Community.' You will rotate every 5 minutes. Try to think of new, creative ideas!"
"I'm also giving each of you an Acts of Kindness Wheel. As you rotate, write down your favorite ideas from each category onto your own wheel. Does everyone understand? Any questions?"
Facilitation Notes:
- Set timer for 5 minutes per station.
- Give 30-second warning before each rotation.
Acts of Kindness Wheel
Acts of Kindness Wheel
Student Name
Date
Ready to be a kindness superstar? Write your favorite ideas from each station below!
Kindness for PEERS
How can you be kind to your friends and classmates?
Kindness for FAMILY
How can you show kindness to family members at home?
Kindness for COMMUNITY
How can you be kind to people in your neighborhood?
My Commitment
Choose ONE act of kindness to do this week:
"I commit to..."
Kindness is a superpower!
