Kindness in Action

Curriculum Context

Learning Area: Social Sciences
Level: Level 3 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Strand: Identity, Culture and Organisation
Big Idea: Exploring how people’s interactions build a sense of belonging and connectedness within communities.

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Learning Intentions

• Students will understand how kind words and inclusive behaviour contribute to a positive classroom culture.
• Students will practise using encouraging language to support peers and build a stronger classroom community.

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Contribute kind and affirming language to a class activity.
• Recognise and reflect on how their words affect others.
• Identify how kindness can make school a place people want to be.

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Resources Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• A set of speech bubble cards with positive phrases (e.g. “You did an awesome job!” / “I love how you tried your best”)
• Large A2 paper titled ‘Words That Lift Us Up’
• Small kete (woven basket) or decorated container (for Kind Words Game)
• Paper strips and pens

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Lesson Structure (20 minutes total)

1. Mihi and Warm-up Whakataukī (3 minutes)

Karakia and roll call, followed by the whakataukī of the day:

He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka puta mai
(If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive)

Briefly discuss as a class:
"How do words plant kindness?"

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2. Hook – The Power of Words! (3 minutes)

Tell a short, relatable story:

“Yesterday I saw someone in the playground sitting alone. Another student came over, smiled and said, 'I’m glad you’re here today!' Right away, the person beamed and joined the game. That smile came from feeling seen and included.”

Ask:
“Can anyone share a time when someone’s kind words made them feel good?” (Take 1–2 voluntary responses)

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3. Mini-Activity – Kind Words Game (5 minutes)

Set up a 'Kindness Kete' Game:

• Give each student a strip of paper and ask them to write something kind one could say to a classmate (encouragement, praise, supportive words).
• Place all strips in the Kindness Kete.
• Draw out 3–4 at random and read them aloud dramatically in your best encouraging tone.

Pose the question:
“How would you feel if someone said that to you at morning tea?”

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4. Group Collaboration – Words That Lift Us Up Poster (6 minutes)

With 3–4 students at a time, rotate groups to the ‘Words That Lift Us Up’ poster and give them 30 seconds to add their own speech bubble with a kind phrase.

While groups take turns, others practise saying kind sentences with a partner:

"I like the way you..."
"It made me happy when you..."

Encourage dramatic role-playing and smiles!

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5. Reflection Circle – What Stuck With You? (3 minutes)

Back in the circle, pose a sentence starter:

• “One kind thing I can say tomorrow is…”
• “Today I felt encouraged when…”

Each student gets a quick chance to speak or pass.

Finish with a reminder of our shared value:

“We make school a place we all want to be — one kind word at a time.”

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Extension (For Follow-ups)

• Introduce a Kindness Wall in the classroom bulletin board.
• Begin each Monday with a Kindness Challenge for the week.
• Integrate in writing time: Students write a mini-story or letter showing someone being encouraged at school.

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Assessment for Learning

Observe:

• Contribution to the group poster
• Participation in class discussion and partner activity
• Thoughtfulness during reflection circle

Capture key quotes to track student understanding of how language creates a sense of belonging.

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Teacher’s Notes

This fast-paced and affirming lesson is designed to create a positive impact in a short timeframe. It fosters emotional learning through interactive, student-led tasks that resonate with 9–10-year-olds, while aligning strongly with the New Zealand Curriculum’s vision to develop young people who are connected, confident, and actively involved.

This lesson is more than a plan—it's a mini movement. Enjoy the smiles.