Belonging Builders Teacher Guide Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Belonging Builders
Pre-Kindergarten • Duration: 30 Minutes (Short Pacing)
Focus Area
Physical Connection
Pre-K Objectives
Point to and name at least 2 safe school helpers.
Practice a physical "Wave and Say Hi" connection.
Identify their classroom desk/cubby as their own safe home base.
Tactile Materials
Belonging Builders Slides
Safe Harbor Anchor Chart
Friendship Finder Worksheet
Plush mascot or sensory squishy ball
Pre-K Focus
Focus is on simple physical gestures, building comfort in the room, and using single words or waves to connect with other children.
1
Sensory Hook: The Wave Train
8 Mins
Sit in a circle on the rug. Roll a soft, sensory squishy ball to a student. When they catch it, have them wave and say their name (or teacher models for them). The class waves and calls out: "Hi, [Name]!" Repeat until every child gets a roll and a wave.
Teacher Script: "Roll the ball! Wave your hand! You are here, and we are so happy you are on our team today!"
2
Direct Instruction: Helper Faces
10 Mins
Show the Safe Harbor Anchor Chart . Focus strictly on visual faces (Teacher, Nurse, Counselor). Teach the "Help Me" signal: raising hands and crossing wrists in front of chest.
Have students practice pointing to their teacher and raising their hands. Ask: "If you need an band-aid, who do we look for?"
3
Modeling: Simple Wave Connection
7 Mins
Simplify the friendship steps to a single movement:
1. Walk & Smile Walk slowly, look at eyes, and smile.
2. Wave & Say "Hi!" Wave hand high, say "Hi!" or "Play?"
Belonging Builders Pre-K Page 1 of 2
Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Belonging Builders
Pre-Kindergarten • Session 1 Continued
Strategy
Sensory Integration
4
Guided: The Mirror Wave Game
Have children find a partner. Guide them physically to stand face-to-face in their safe space.
Partner A waves their hand slowly.
Partner B mirrors and waves back.
Both point to their hearts and smile.
Pre-K Tip: Use heavy high-fives and praise physical proximity choices.
5
Worksheet: Friend Coloring
Hand out the simplified Friendship Finder Worksheet . Instead of writing names, students trace a single wavy line connecting a sailboat to a harbor, then color in the boat.
Check: Ask them to trace their finger along the line they drew and make a boat engine sound ("Chug-chug-chug").
Small Group Sensory Focus
For Pre-K students who struggle with parallel play, bite or grab toys, or display separation anxiety:
Sensory Sandbox Sorting: Have kids take turns digging out of a sand tub and handing a sensory shell/toy to a buddy.
Mascot Comfort: Allow anxious students to hold a classroom companion plush animal during circle transistions.
Visual Name Tags: Place a cartoon photo of each child on their cubby and rug spot.
Emerging Needs
Non-Verbal Communicators:
Teach pointing to visual picture rings (e.g., card with water bottle for "drink"). Use high-fives as a connection choice.
High Sensory Seeking:
Allow students to sit on wiggle discs or hold squeeze squishies during circle wave routines.
Teacher Reflection Prompt
"Are there students who did not join the rug train? Tomorrow, let's guide them physically with a partner holding their hand."
Belonging Builders Pre-K Page 2 of 2
Belonging Builders Slides Pre-K Belonging
Our Happy Harbor!
You belong here. Let's play and wave! 👋🎈
Pre-K Social-Emotional Learning
Slide 1 of 6
How is Your Ship Sailing?
Rug Weather
☀️
Happy
Ready to play!
☁️
Slow
Moving quietly.
🎈
Shy
Unsure about today.
⚡️
Big Wave
Feeling stormy!
Teacher Read Aloud: "Point to the picture that matches your heart!"
Slide 2 of 6
Who Keeps Us Safe?
Helpers
Your Teacher
Helps you learn, share toys, and feel happy.
The Nurse
Helps you feel better when you are hurt.
The Counselor
Helps you calm your big emotions with games.
Teacher: "Cross your arms on your chest to make the safe signal!"
Slide 3 of 6
Wave & Connect! 👋
Connection
1
Walk & Smile
Walk over slowly to a friend. Look at their face and give a giant smile!
2
Wave & Say "Hi!"
Raise your hand high, wave it slowly, and say: "Hi!" or "Play?"
Teacher: "Stand up and wave at your rug partner right now!"
Slide 4 of 6
Where Do We Go?
Safe Places
Classroom
Our safe rug and play center station.
Playground
Where we run, climb, and sandbox share!
Cafeteria
Where we eat yummy snacks and sit together.
Nurse's Bed
A soft, quiet spot to rest if you feel sick.
Teacher: "Point to where you play with the sandbox bucket!"
Slide 5 of 6
Your Wave Mission!
Play Challenge
Mission 1: Say "Hi!"
When we play today, find one friend, wave your hand high, and say "Hi!" to invite them to play.
Mission 2: Helper Hug
Wave your hand and say "Thank you!" to your teacher when they hand you snack cubes.
Give your teacher a giant waving hand if you are ready! 👋🫡
Slide 6 of 6
Safe Harbor Anchor Chart Pre-K Safe Poster
OUR SAFE HARBOR
We are safe, we are loved, and we play together! ⛵️💖
Pre-K Room
Our School Helpers
Look for these friendly faces when you need help:
👩🏫
Your Teacher
Helps you learn, share, and stay safe in class.
🩺
The School Nurse
Gives bandages and helps if your body hurts.
🧸
The Counselor
Listens to your big feelings and plays calming games.
How We Connect
Two ways to make friends at play:
🚶♂️
1. Walk Close
Walk slowly to a partner. Keep your personal body bubble safe.
👋
2. Wave & Say "Hi!"
Wave high, smile, and say: "Hi! Play with me?"
"We raise our hand to show safe helpers we need support!"
My Safe Signaling Pledge
"If I feel lonely, sad, or hurt, I can raise my safe signaling hand to get support!"
👋
Pre-K Curriculum • Belonging Builders Series Poster Anchor Chart
Friendship Finder Worksheet Pre-K Emerging Activity
Friendship Finder
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Sailing My Boat to the Harbor ⛵️
Help your little boat find its safe harbor! Trace along the wavy dotted line with your favorite crayon.
⛵️
🏝️
Part 2: Draw Your Big Friendly Smile! 😊
In the box below, draw a big picture of YOU waving with a happy smile!
Draw your face here!
Who is your Helper?
Point to and color the circle helper you need most:
👩🏫 Teacher
🩺 Nurse
🧸 Counselor
Pre-K Friendship Steps:
😊 Smile 👋 Wave 💬 Say "Hi"
Pre-K Curriculum • Belonging Builders Series Student Worksheet • Page 1 of 1
Circle of Care Activity Cards Pre-K Small Group Resource
Circle of Care Cards
Pre-K Roleplay Cards
🧸 1. Play Block
Share
Scenario: Liam wants to build with the red blocks, but Chloe is playing with them. Liam feels sad.
Pre-K Prompts:
Have Liam walk close, wave, and say: "Play?"
Practice sharing one block with Chloe!
🩹 2. Ow-Ow Knee
Helpers
Scenario: Maya falls down on the rug and hurts her knee. She begins to cry: "Ow-ow!"
Pre-K Prompts:
Who keeps Maya safe when she is hurt? (Teacher! Nurse!)
Practice raising your hand to ask for a bandage.
🎒 3. Lost Cubby
My Spot
Scenario: Leo has his heavy backpack, but he cannot find his cartoon photo on any cubby door. He feels shy.
Pre-K Prompts:
Where is Leo's classroom home base?
How can Leo use his hand-cross signal to ask his teacher?
⚡️ 4. Big Feelings
Calm
Scenario: Emma's block tower falls down. She feels extremely mad, makes tight fists, and wants to stomp!
Pre-K Prompts:
How can Emma blow out her big candle breath? (Blow! 🕯️)
Let's walk to our cozy harbor corner together.
🍪 5. Snack Time
Share
Scenario: Mateo is sitting alone at snack time. He has no juice cup and looks at his crackers sadly.
Pre-K Prompts:
How can we share our snack table spot?
Let's wave and say "Hi, Mateo!"
☀️ 6. Playground
Safety
Scenario: Lucas is climbing up the slide the wrong way, and a friend is sliding down from the top!
Pre-K Prompts:
Is climbing up the slide safe? (No!)
Let's raise our helper signal and show the recess helper.
Pre-K Curriculum • Belonging Builders Series Intervention Cards • Page 1 of 1
Shipshape Habits Teacher Guide Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Shipshape Habits
Audience: Pre-Kindergarten • Duration: 30 Minutes (Short Pacing)
Focus Area
Self-Management
Pre-K Objectives
State why showing up to school on time makes our "crew" smile.
Perform the 2 simple morning steps (hang bag, sit on rug).
Select one body goal (kind hands or listening ears).
Pre-K Materials
Pre-K Routine Slides
Routine Poster Chart
Morning Mission Sheet
Steering My Day Cards
Sticky dots or star stickers
SEL Foundation
Self-Management: Executive functioning routines adapted for early childhood transitions.
1
Hook: Morning Crew Salute
8 Mins
When doing attendance, have students softly salute or do a cute hand wiggle and shout: "Reporting for play, Captain!" Explain that when someone is missing, we miss their smiles and building power.
Teacher Script: "We need your smiley eyes every day! When you show up, our classroom boat sails high! Give your neighbor a high-five for being on board!"
2
Direct Instruction: Morning Anchor Routines
10 Mins
Introduce the **Shipshape Routine Anchor Chart**. Keep morning routines incredibly simplified for Pre-K:
🎒 1. Hang Backpack Zip closed, hang on cubby hook.
🧘 2. Sit & Play Go directly to carpet circle spots.
3
Direct Instruction: Body Steering Goals
7 Mins
Explain that we steer our bodies like captains. Introduce two simple body-steering tools using visual cards:
• Listening Ears: Tuned high.
• Kind Hands: Safe personal bubble spaces.
Shipshape Habits Pre-K SEL Curriculum Page 1 of 2
Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Shipshape Habits
Pre-K Session Continued • Self-Management Habits
Strategy
Early Habits
4
Guided: Cubby Speed Game
Practice hanging bags up. Walk children in small groups to the cubbies. Sing the "Unpack Song" (to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"):
"Hang, hang, hang your bag, softly on the hook! Zip it closed, turn around, time to read a book!"
5
Independent Worksheet
Hand out the **My Morning Mission Worksheet (Pre-K)**. Since they cannot write folders or names, they will color the backpack and put a sticker on their body-steering goal.
Shipshape Habits Slides Shipshape Habits
Ready, Set, Play!
Let's build helper habits for our classroom! 🎒⛵️
Pre-K Self-Management & Routines
Slide 1 of 6
We Need Your Smile!
Attendance
🏫
Come to School
Every day you show up, we get to build with blocks and play together!
⏰
Be On Time
Being on time helps us hang our coats and sit quietly on our spot.
👥
Happy Crew
Our whole class boat smiles when your backpack is on your cubby hook!
We sail best when everyone is on board!
Slide 2 of 6
My 2 Morning Jobs
Routine
1
Hang Up Your Bag
Take off your backpack. Hang it nicely on your own cubby hook!
2
Sit on Your Spot
Go straight to your circle rug square. We are ready to sing the morning song!
Doing your morning jobs makes you a strong, independent Captain!
Slide 3 of 6
How do we steer our bodies?
Bodies
👂
Listening Ears
Our ears are turned on high to hear instructions.
🤫
Quiet Mouth
Lips are zipped while others speak. We whisper!
🫧
Safe Bubble
Hands and feet stay in our own safe carpet square.
I can steer my own body nicely! ⛵️🫡
Slide 4 of 6
My Daily Body Goal
Goal
👂
I listen first time!
"When my teacher rings the bell, I freeze and look right away!"
🫧
I keep a safe bubble!
"I keep my hands to my own lap during circle and line times."
Which body goal will you choose to steer today?
Slide 5 of 6
Your Unpack Challenge!
Challenge
Job 1: Cubby Hook
Tomorrow morning, hang up your backpack on its hook all by yourself!
Job 2: Sit & Smile
Walk straight to your carpet circle spot and sit cross-legged ready to play!
Give your teacher a happy "Thumbs Up" if you're ready! 👍🫡
Slide 6 of 6
Shipshape Routine Anchor Chart Pre-K Anchor Chart
READY FOR SCHOOL
We unpack our bags, steer our bodies, and help our school crew sail! ⛵️🎒
Pre-K Habits
My 2 Morning Jobs
Be a helpful Captain! Complete these two jobs all by yourself:
1. Cubby Hook
Hang your backpack nicely on your own locker or cubby hook! Keep straps off the floor.
2. Sit on Your Spot
Walk quietly and sit directly on your carpet rug square spot, ready to greet your buddy captains!
Steering My Body
How I steer my own boat:
👂
Listening Ears
My ears are turned high up to hear directions.
🤫
Quiet Mouth
We keep our lips zipped when others share stories.
🫧
Safe Bubble
Hands and feet stay in our own safe circle square.
"Being on time and ready tells our classroom crew we are ready to play!"
My Daily Attendance Salute
"I am here! I show up on time because my ship is stronger when my buddy captains see me!"
Classroom Resource • Shipshape Habits Series Routine Anchor Chart
My Morning Mission Worksheet Pre-K Self-Management
My Morning Mission
Name:
Part 1: Color My Morning Jobs! 🎒
Color the two morning jobs you can do all by yourself!
1. Hang Backpack
[ ]
2. Sit on My Spot
[ ]
Part 2: Circle My Body Goal! 🧭
Which goal will you practice today? Put a big, happy CIRCLE around one goal, then draw yourself practicing!
👂
Listening Ears I listen and freeze.
🤐
Quiet Mouths I use zipped lips.
🫧
Body Bubble I sit on my rug spot.
Draw you on your carpet spot!
My School Promise:
Arrive Happy! 😊 Ready to Play! 🧸
Classroom Resource • Shipshape Habits Series Pre-K Worksheet • Page 1 of 1
Steering My Day Activity Cards Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Steering My Day Discussion Cards
Cut out cards along dashed lines
1. Waking Up Late
Attendance
Scenario: Daniel cannot find his shoes. He arrives at school late, and his friends are already singing on the rug. He feels sad.
Pre-K Prompts:
Where should Daniel put his shoes before bed?
Wave to Daniel to show him he belongs on the rug!
2. Dropped Backpack
Routine
Scenario: Nora drops her backpack on the floor and runs to play with blocks. Friends trip over her backpack.
Pre-K Prompts:
Is the floor a safe place for backpacks?
Point to Nora's locker hook on our anchor chart!
3. Wiggle Monster
Bodies
Scenario: Ben has too much energy during circle time! He starts kicking his legs and waving his arms in his buddy's face bubble.
Pre-K Prompts:
Let's blow out a big candle to quiet our bodies! 🕯️💨
Tuck hands in your safe lap "bubble."
4. Loud Talker
Voices
Scenario: While the teacher reads a book, Caleb keeps shouting stories about his new toy truck. Friends can't hear the story.
Pre-K Prompts:
Which body tool is Caleb forgetting? ears or mouth?
Let's put on our quiet "zipped lip" filters. 🤐
5. Cleanup Time
Responsibility
Scenario: The clean-up bell rings, but Elena doesn't want to clean up. She wants to leave her blocks on the rug and run away.
Pre-K Prompts:
How can we clean our room ship together?
Let's sing our "Clean Up, Clean Up" helper song!
6. Too Hard!
Goals
Scenario: Jackson is trying to snap blocks together, but it won't work. He gets so mad! He throws the blocks on the floor.
Pre-K Prompts:
Take a balloon breath to cool down your engine.
Say: "Help me, please!" to your teacher.
Classroom Resource • Shipshape Habits Series Intervention Cards • Page 1 of 1
Compass Captains Teacher Guide Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Compass Captains
Audience: Pre-Kindergarten • Duration: 30 Minutes (Short Pacing)
Focus Area
Peer Boundaries & Respect
Pre-K Objectives
State why sharing toys on our school ship is respectful.
Sort safe "True North" play choices from "Stormy" choices.
Use the physical "Stop" hand sign and script.
Pre-K Materials
Pre-K Decision Slides
True North Anchor Chart
True North Decisions Sheet
Compass Choices Cards
Red/Green cardboard circles
SEL Foundation
Responsible Decisions: Basic moral/social safety boundaries appropriate for developmental play.
1
Hook: Thumbs Up Compass
8 Mins
Have students stand. Clasp fingers and point thumbs straight up to make a "Compass". When you shout: "Captains, check your compass!" , students point thumbs up and shout: "True North!"
Teacher Script: "True North choices are nice, safe, and friendly. We make good play choices even when our buddy captains are having a stormy day!"
2
Direct Instruction: Play Choices
10 Mins
Introduce the **True North Anchor Chart**. Contrast safe play choices with stormy currents in the sandbox:
True North Play: Asking: "Can I share?", waiting for your turn.
Stormy Play: Grabbing toys, pushing, running away.
3
Direct Instruction: Say "Stop!"
7 Mins
Sometimes peers make stormy playground choices. Teach the physical **Pre-K Boundary Brake**:
1. Raise Hand Flat Extend arm, palm forward.
2. Say "Stop" Say clearly: "Stop! I don't like that!"
3. Tell Adult Walk directly to your teacher helper.
Compass Captains Pre-K SEL Curriculum Page 1 of 2
Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Compass Captains
Pre-K Session Continued • Boundaries & Sharing
Strategy
Early Boundaries
4
Guided: The Boundary Stop Game
Practice our Pre-K Boundary Brake script. Play scenario: "A friend tries to grab your block without asking." Have buddies sit facing each other:
Buddy A pretend-reaches for block.
Buddy B raises hand flat like a wall:
Compass Captains Slides Pre-K Boundaries
Compass Captains
Let's find our safe choices and play nicely! 🧭🌟
Pre-K Play Decisions & Boundaries
Slide 1 of 6
What is playing nicely?
Play
🤫
Soft Voices
We use gentle, happy whispers when building next to our friends.
🫧
Body Bubbles
Keep your hands on your own lap. Respect your friend's personal space!
🤝
Sharing Toys
We wait nicely for a shovel, or say: "Can I play blocks with you?"
Caring for our buddy captains keeps the whole boat happy!
Slide 2 of 6
My Decision Compass
Choices
😊
Nice Choices
Sharing a red block nicely
Waiting for your turn on the slide
Keeping hands inside your bubble
Saying: "Let's play together!"
😢
Stormy Choices
Grabbing a toy shovel
Pushing in the water line
Running away from circle rug
Yelling: "No! My toy!"
Nice choices keep us happy and dry. Let's steer safe!
Slide 3 of 6
How to use the "Stop Hand"
Stop Gesture
1
Pause & Freeze
If a buddy grabs your block, do not push! Freeze.
2
Show Stop Hand
Raise hand flat and say: "Stop! I don't like that!"
3
Tell Teacher
Walk straight to your teacher helper and ask for help.
True Captains steer their own course safely!
Slide 4 of 6
What would you do?
Practice
The Block Graber
You are building a safe room fort with yellow blocks. A buddy walks up, grabs your block, and pushes your tower down.
Is pushing them back safe?
No! Let's use our Boundary Brake!
Raise flat hand:
"Stop! I do not like that! Let's share blocks safely!"
Nice play choices keep our classroom sailboat sailing high!
Slide 5 of 6
Your Captain Mission!
Pledge
Job 1: Ask Nicely
At sandbox play today, wait for your turn. Say: "Can I share?"
Job 2: Show Stop Hand
True North Anchor Chart Pre-K Anchor Chart
TRUE NORTH DECISIONS
We play safely! We share toys and use our Stop Hand if waves get rough! 🧭🏖️
Pre-K Play
Our Sandbox Decisions
Check your play compass! Steer away from stormy grab choices:
😊
Nice choices
Safe & Friendly: Sharing red blocks, waiting for slide turns, and asking nicely: "Can I share?"
😢
Stormy Choices
Unsafe & Grabbing: Taking toy shovels without asking, pushing in lines, and running away from circles.
The "Stop Hand"
If a buddy grabs your toy:
1
Pause & Freeze
Stop. Do not push them back! Check your compass.
2
Show Stop Hand
Raise hand flat and say: "Stop! I don't like that!"
3
Tell Teacher
Walk directly to your teacher helper to get help.
"We don't hit or grab. We stand tall and stay safe!"
My Safe Play Promise
"I share red blocks and waiting turns. I use my Stop Hand when I feel mad or scared!"
Classroom Resource • Compass Captains Series True North Poster
True North Decisions Worksheet Pre-K Play Decisions
True North Decisions
Name:
Part 1: Circle Safe Playground Choices! 🧭
Which choices keep our school boat safe? Put a big, happy CIRCLE around the nice choices!
🤝 Sharing Shovels
😊
😡 Grabbing Blocks
😢
🫧 Safe Body Bubble
😊
Part 2: Draw Your Strong Stop Hand! 🛑
Draw a picture of your own hand raised flat like a wall, saying: "Stop!" to keep you safe!
🛑
Freeze I pause and breathe.
🖐️
Stop Hand I show my flat palm.
🚶♂️
Walk Away I find my teacher helper.
Draw your safe Stop Hand!
My Captain play rules:
We Share Blocks! 🧱 We Use Nice Words! 😊
Classroom Resource • Compass Captains Series Pre-K Worksheet • Page 1 of 1
Compass Choices Activity Cards Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Compass Choices Discussion Cards
Cut out cards along dashed lines
1. Shovel Grab
Respect
Scenario: Lucas is digging with a green shovel. Oliver grabs it straight out of Lucas's hand. Lucas feels sad.
Pre-K Prompts:
Is grabbing nice or stormy? 😢
What can Oliver say? Model: "Share please?"
2. Hidden Fort
Influence
Scenario: Friends whisper to Mia: "Let's hide behind the big water toys box where teachers can't see us!" It is unsafe.
Pre-K Prompts:
Is hiding safe? Yes or No?
Show Mia's "Stop Hand" raised flat! 🖐️
3. Making Faces
Respect
Scenario: Two kids are making silly, mean faces at Leo. They ask Ben to make faces too. Ben feels uncomfortable.
Pre-K Prompts:
Does teasing make Leo sad? 😢
What can Ben do? Walk away or laugh?
4. Climbing Fence
Safety
Scenario: A friend climbs up the high playground fence to get a red ball. They say: "Look at me! Come climb!"
Pre-K Prompts:
Is climbing the fence safe? No!
Say: "Stop! Play safely on the swings!"
5. Line Pushing
Respect
Scenario: Sofia is the line leader. Mateo runs up, pushes Sofia back softly, and says: "I want to be first!"
Pre-K Prompts:
Show Sofia's strong "Stop Hand"! 🖐️
Say: "No pushing! Waiting turns is safe!"
6. Broken Crayon
Honesty
Scenario: Jackson snaps a yellow crayon by accident. His friend whispers: "Hide it under the rug so no one knows!"
Pre-K Prompts:
Should Jackson hide his mistake? No!
Say: "Teacher, my crayon broke!" Hand it to her.
Classroom Resource • Compass Captains Series Intervention Cards • Page 1 of 1
Kindness Cargo Teacher Guide Lesson Plan & Facilitation Guide
Kindness Cargo
Kindergarten & 1st Grade • Duration: 45 Minutes
Focus Area
Empathy & Gratitude
Core Objectives
Identify other captains' "emotional weather" by looking at faces/bodies.
Practice "Lifting Anchors" through gentle, helpful actions.
Deliver a meaningful verbal act of gratitude to a school helper.
Materials Needed
Kindness Cargo Slides
Heart Horizon Anchor Chart
Kindness Cargo Worksheet
Kindness Cargo Activity Cards
A small toy chest or decorative box
CASEL Alignment
Social Awareness: Demonstrating empathy, compassion, and gratitude for others.
Relationship Skills: Developing constructive team relationships.
1
Hook: Emotional Weather Eye
10 Mins
Have students sit in a circle. Hold up a picture of "rain clouds" and "sunshine." Explain that as Captains, we must always keep a "weather eye" on our crew members. Some friends are sailing in sunshine, while others are in choppy, rainy emotional seas. Ask: "How can you tell if a friend's ship is in a storm?"
Teacher Script: "A real captain looks at the other boats. If we see a friend whose ship is stuck or feeling rainy, we don't sail past. We bring them some **Kindness Cargo**!"
2
Direct Instruction: Kindness Cargo & Lifting Anchors
15 Mins
Introduce the Heart Horizon Anchor Chart . Explain that our hearts are filled with "Kindness Cargo"—good deeds, sweet compliments, and thankful words.
Teach "Lifting Anchors" : when a friend feels "heavy" or sad, they are anchored down. We help lift their anchor by:
A. Sharing a Toy "Here, want to use my green block?"
B. Saying Kind Words "I like your drawing, you did great!"
3
Direct Instruction: Gratitude Delivery
10 Mins
Discuss how our school helper ships (janitor, nurse, office staff) carry cargo for us every day by keeping us safe. Explain that **Gratitude** means giving a piece of kindness cargo back to them. Teach the simple thank-you script: "Thank you for helping our school ship!"
Kindness Cargo SEL Curriculum Page 1 of 2
Lesson Plan & Facilitation Guide
Kindness Cargo
Kindergarten & 1st Grade • Session 4 Continued
Kindness Cargo Slides Kindness Cargo
Kindness Cargo
Understand other Captains, lift heavy anchors, and share gratitude! ⛵️❤️
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Social Awareness
Slide 1 of 6
The Captain's Weather Eye
Empathy
Sunny Smile
Eyes are bright, mouth is smiling. They feel sunny and ready to play!
Rainy Frown
Mouth corners down, eyes looking flat. They might be sad or hurt.
Foggy & Alone
Sitting quietly on the side, heads down. They feel left out or lonely.
Stormy Anger
Clenched fists, red face, stomping feet. They feel mad or frustrated.
Empathy means noticing a friend's weather and wanting to help!
Slide 2 of 6
What is Kindness Cargo?
Service
Sharing Toys
Passing a block or sliding over to invite them into your sandcastle game.
Kind Words
Saying: "I am glad you are in my class!" or sharing a nice, happy compliment.
Helpful Actions
Holding the door, clean-up helper, or picking up markers that rolled away.
Loading others with kindness cargo makes your own boat feel lighter!
Slide 3 of 6
Lifting Heavy Anchors
Lifting Friends
What is a Heavy Anchor?
Sometimes, sadness, worries, or hurts act like a heavy iron anchor that stops a friend's ship from sailing happily.
Empathy Captains notice the anchor and offer a hand to lift the weight together!
🤝
"Want to share my toy?"
Lifts the anchor of loneliness immediately.
❤️
"Are you okay? I'm here."
Lifts the anchor of sad and rainy feelings.
A little help goes a long way. Lift a friend's anchor today!
Slide 4 of 6
Delivering Gratitude
Gratitude
Our Janitors
Keep our desks clean, sweeps hallways, and empties bins. Say: "Thank you for keeping us clean!"
Cafeteria Helpers
Prepare food, open snacks, and clear lunch trays. Say: "Thank you for cooking for us!"
Gratitude is like sunshine cargo that shines bright on helper ships!
Slide 5 of 6
Your Kindness Mission!
Active Challenge
Mission 1: Weather Check
Look at your classmates' faces today. If you spot a friend with , share a block or sit with them!
Heart Horizon Anchor Chart Empathy & Kindness Poster
KINDNESS CARGO
We keep a weather eye on our friends and deliver helpful cargo to lift heavy anchors! ⛵️❤️
Heart Horizon
Our Weather Eye (Empathy)
Look at your friend's face and body! How is their ship sailing today?
☀️
Sunny Feelings
Happy & Calm: Smiling mouth, relaxed shoulders, open arms. Ready to play and learn together!
🌧️
Rainy/Foggy Feelings
Sad, Lonely, or Lost: Frowning face, downcast eyes, sitting alone on the bench, moving slowly.
⚡
Stormy Feelings
Angry or Frustrated: Tight face, clenched hands, heavy stomps. Needs space or safe helpers to calm down.
Acts of Cargo
How we load each other's ships with happiness cargo:
🧸
Sharing Cargo
Invite a lonely friend into your game. Offer them a toy or shovel.
💬
Kind Words
Give happy compliments. Say: "You did a great job on that drawing!"
🙌
Helpful Hands
Help friends pick up markers, carry heavy books, or hold doors open.
"When we lift each other's anchors, our entire harbor shines together!"
My Daily Gratitude Pledge
"I see our school helpers! I will deliver sunshine thank-yous to show they are loved on our crew!"
Classroom Resource • Kindness Cargo Series True North Poster
Kindness Cargo Worksheet Student Activity Sheet
Kindness Cargo
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Sharing My Kindness Cargo! ❤️
Trace the word below, then draw yourself delivering kindness cargo (sharing a block, sitting together) to a lonely friend.
Draw your helpful action here!
K I N D N E S S
Part 2: Gratitude Delivery Card 🎁
Draw a portrait of a School Helper Ship (nurse, janitor, cafeteria crew) inside the card. Cut it out and deliver it!
Draw your helper's portrait!
To My Helper:
Let's tell them how much we appreciate their school cargo!
To Helper:
Your Message: T H A N K S
My Kindness Cargo Goals:
👀 Look & Notice 🧸 Offer Support 🎁 Share Thanks
Classroom Resource • Kindness Cargo Series Student Worksheet • Page 1 of 1
Kindness Cargo Activity Cards Small Group & Intervention Resource
Kindness Cargo Discussion Cards
Cut out cards along dashed lines
🌧️ 1. Rainy Tears
Empathy
Scenario: Sophia dropped her ice cream cone on the blacktop. She is sitting on the steps with a rainy frown, hugging her knees, and crying softly.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
What rainy weather clues did you spot?
How can you help Sophia "lift her anchor"?
🌫️ 2. Foggy Bench
Inclusion
Scenario: During morning recess, Oliver sits completely alone on the playground "Buddy Bench". He has his head down and is watching others run.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How is Oliver's emotional weather?
What is some "Kindness Cargo" you can carry over?
3. Spilled Cargo
Service
Scenario: Daniel's box of crayons falls off his desk and rolls all over the carpet. The teacher is about to start reading a story. Daniel looks panicked.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How can we show Daniel "helpful hands"?
Roleplay 2 friends helping pick them up quickly.
4. Helper Thanks
Gratitude
Scenario: Miss Linda, the cafeteria helper, stands at the trash bin helping thirty kids dump food safely and wiping down sticky tables.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How does Miss Linda carry cargo for our school?
What thank-you script can we deliver to her?
5. Empty Plate
Empathy
Scenario: Lucas opens his lunchbox during snack-time, but it is empty. He forgot his bag at home. He sits quietly, watching others eat cookies.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How would you feel if your snack was missing?
What "Kindness Cargo" can we share with Lucas?
⚡ 6. Stormy Sandbox
Emotions
Scenario: Jackson is angry because his sandcastle crumbled. He stomps his feet and throws sand. His face is red and he is yelling.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
What stormy weather signs do you see in Jackson?
How can we keep ourselves safe while showing care?
Classroom Resource • Kindness Cargo Series Intervention Game Cards • Page 1 of 1
Lighthouse Leaders Teacher Guide Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Lighthouse Leaders
Audience: Pre-Kindergarten • Duration: 30 Minutes (Short Pacing)
Focus Area
Empathy & Gratitude
Pre-K Objectives
State what "happy" or "sad" faces look like.
Point to 2 simple acts of service we can do in our room.
Wave and say "Thank you" to room helpers.
Pre-K Materials
Pre-K Kindness Slides
Kindness Anchor Chart
Shining My Light Sheet
Lighthouse Cards
Soft flashlight tool
SEL Foundation
Social Awareness: Developing early affective empathy and prosocial greeting behaviors.
1
Hook: Lighthouse Beam
8 Mins
Dim lights softly. Shine flashlight on your class ceiling. Explain that a lighthouse stands tall and shines a warm, quiet light to help sad or worried boats find their safe home.
Teacher Script: "Lighthouses don't yell. They just shine warm light! When our buddies are sad, we can be Lighthouse Leaders and share blocks or smiles to make them feel safe!"
2
Direct Instruction: Noticing sad buddies
10 Mins
Introduce the **Lighthouse Kindness Anchor Chart**. Focus purely on early emotional identification:
Sad: Cry mouth, head on knees, sitting alone on bench.
Happy: Smiley mouth, clapping wiggles.
Have kids mimic these face shapes with their hands.
3
Direct Instruction: Sharing Light
7 Mins
Teach how to share light in two physical ways:
• Helper hand: Handing a toy block to a sad friend.
• Thank you wave: Waving and smiling at room helpers.
Lighthouse Leaders Pre-K SEL Curriculum Page 1 of 2
Pre-K Adaptation • Emerging Academics
Lighthouse Leaders
Pre-K Session Continued • Empathy & Service
Strategy
Early Empathy
4
Guided: Flashlight Noticing
Shine a flashlight gently on different face emojis on the screen. Have kids practice miming the face. If the flashlight stops on a sad face, have them hold their hands like a little candle and blow gently to "share their light."
5
Independent Worksheet
Hand out the **Shining My Light Worksheet (Pre-K)**. Since they cannot write folders or trace letters, they color their lighthouse lantern and circle the kid showing a nice sharing choice.
Lighthouse Leaders Slides Lighthouse Leaders
Shine Your Light!
Let's notice others, share kindness, and show school gratitude! 🕯️💖
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Empathy & Gratitude
Slide 1 of 6
Noticing Stormy Ships ⛵️⛈️
Empathy Cues
Down Mouth / Eyes
Their mouth is turned down, or their eyes are looking at the floor. They feel sad or lonely.
Quiet & Alone
They are sitting quietly on the recess bench or bench floor while others run and play.
Big Storm Energy
They clench their fists or stomp. They have big, stormy energy inside their body ship.
Empathy is checking in on other Captains' weather conditions!
Slide 2 of 6
Shining Our Empathy Light 🕯️
Warm Words
"Are you okay?"
Walk over gently and say: "I saw you fell down. Are you okay?" Let them share.
"Play with me!"
If someone is sitting alone, walk over, smile and ask: "Do you want to play legos with me?"
"Let's get helper!"
If their storm is too big: "Let's walk together and ask our teacher for help."
Sometimes, just standing next to a friend makes their stormy weather clear up!
Slide 3 of 6
Shining Our Service Lanterns
Acts of Service
Door Holder
Hold the door softly for friends carrying lunch boxes or trays.
Trash Helper
Help clean up cafeteria tables or pick up papers dropped in class.
Sharing Toys
Hand a toy shovel or block to a friend who doesn't have one.
Includer
Look around and wave to kids who want to join your sandbox circle.
Doing small helpful things makes our entire school harbor a happier place!
Slide 4 of 6
Shining Our Gratitude Sparks
Gratitude
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude means saying "THANK YOU!" to school helpers who do nice things for us every single day.
Three Gratitude Sparks:
Wave and say thank you to lunch servers.
Draw a thank-you picture card for the custodian.
Tell your teacher: "Thanks for helping me learn!"
Thank you sparks make other school captains feel loved and appreciated!
Slide 5 of 6
Your Lighthouse Mission!
Active Challenge
Mission 1: Storm Spotter
Lighthouse Kindness Anchor Chart Empathy & Gratitude Poster
LIGHTHOUSE LEADERS
We notice others, share our warm light, and say thank you to our school helpers! ⛵️🕯️
Care & Gratitude
Noticing Stormy Ships
Look at your friends' faces and bodies. Are they in stormy waters?
Sad / Lonely Cues
Head down, shoulders drooping, sitting alone on the bench, or looking at the ground.
Angry / Stormy Cues
Clenched fists, red face, stomping feet, or using a loud, stormy voice.
How to Shine Empathy
Walk over softly, sit next to them, ask: "Are you okay?" and invite them to share your table or game.
Service & Thanks
Shine your light through actions:
🚪
Hold the Door
Help friends carrying lunch boxes or toys by holding doors softly.
🧹
Help Clean Up
Help clean table crumbs, sweep scrap papers, or stack library books.
💖
Say Thank You
Say thank you with looking eyes and happy smiles to school servers and helpers.
"We stand tall, shine our lights of kindness, and help every ship sail safely!"
My Kindness Pledge
"I am a Lighthouse Leader! I notice when others are sad, share my toys, and express gratitude to my school crew!"
Classroom Poster • Lighthouse Leaders Series Kindness Anchor Chart
Shining My Light Worksheet Student Activity Sheet
Shining My Light
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Tracing My Kindness Lanterns! 🕯️
Trace the two core lighthouse words below, then color in the light rays!
Noticing Others: C A R E
Expressing Service: T H A N K S
Part 2: Shining My Warm Light! 💖
In the box below, draw a picture of you sharing a toy or sitting next to a friend who feels sad or lonely.
Draw your kindness scene here!
Cut along the dashed lines to make your Gratitude Token!
Gratitude Spark Gift
My School Helper Thank-You Token!
"To: ____________________ • From: ____________________
Thank you for being a wonderful helper on our school ship! You make my school safe and happy!"
Color this section, write their name, cut it out, and hand it to a school helper today!
Classroom Resource • Lighthouse Leaders Series Student Worksheet • Page 1 of 1
Lighthouse Leaders Activity Cards Small Group & Intervention Resource
Lighthouse Leaders Discussion Cards
Cut out cards along dashed lines
1. Solo Swinger
Empathy
Scenario: Harper is sitting completely alone on the swing set. Her head is down and she is kicking the dirt with her shoes. She looks very lonely.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
What does Harper's face and body tell us?
How can a Lighthouse Leader shine their light?
2. Dropped Tray
Service
Scenario: In the cafeteria, Wyatt slips and drops his lunch tray. Milk splatters and his applesauce cup rolls under a table. Some kids start to laugh.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How does Wyatt feel when kids laugh?
What are two acts of service you can do to help?
3. Quiet Crier
Empathy
Scenario: During a difficult math writing worksheet, Sofia begins to cry softly. She is covering her eyes with her hands so no one sees her.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
Why is Sofia hiding her face?
What comforting, warm words can you say to Sofia?
4. Heavy Door
Service
Scenario: Mr. Jones, our school custodian, is trying to push a heavy recycling cart through the double doors, but the door keeps zipping closed.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
Is Mr. Jones a school helper?
How can a Lighthouse Leader help Mr. Jones?
5. Clean Up Crew
Service
Scenario: The clean-up bell rings, but Lucas and Emily walk away from the Lego table, leaving hundreds of plastic pieces scattered across the floor.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
How does leaving toys affect our class ship?
What act of service can you perform right now?
6. Rainy Thanks
Gratitude
Scenario: Ms. Davis, our crossing guard, stands in the pouring rain with a heavy yellow coat and umbrella, holding her STOP sign so families can walk safely.
Circle Discussion Prompts:
What makes Ms. Davis's job so helpful and hard?
How can you spark some gratitude for her today?
Classroom Resource • Lighthouse Leaders Series Intervention Game Cards • Page 1 of 1