Understanding Kindness

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 7
Subject: Health
Time: 30 minutes
Class Size: 18 students
Unit Title: Kindness in Action (Lesson 1 of 2)
Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education
Curriculum Level: Level 4

Big Idea

Kindness is a powerful tool that strengthens relationships and communities. Understanding and practising kindness helps create a supportive and inclusive environment.

Learning Intentions

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the definition of kindness.
• Identify ways to practise kindness in daily life.
• Reflect on personal experiences of kindness.

Assessment

Students will participate in a reflective class discussion, sharing their experiences and thoughts on kindness.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up Activity: ‘Kindness Quickfire’ (5 mins)

Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and engage students
Instructions:

• Teacher writes the word kindness on the board and asks students to call out words or phrases they associate with kindness.
• Teacher quickly creates a ‘kindness web’ by drawing connections between similar ideas.
• Follow-up question: “How do people show kindness in everyday life?”
• Record three key ideas on the board.

2. Group Activity: ‘Kindness Around Us’ (10 mins)

Purpose: Encourage students to think critically about kindness in real-world situations
Instructions:

• Divide the class into three groups of six.
• Each group will receive an illustrated scenario card with a different kindness-related situation (e.g. helping a classmate who dropped their books, including someone at lunch, or comforting a friend).
• Groups discuss:
  • What is happening in the picture?
  • How does kindness change the situation?
  • What might happen if kindness was not shown?
• Each group shares a 30-second summary of their scenario with the class.

Differentiation:

• For students with dyslexia: Provide verbal explanations alongside text.
• For students with ADHD: Allow them to role-play instead of just discussing.

3. Role-Playing: ‘Kindness in Action’ (10 mins)

Purpose: Develop practical strategies for showing kindness
Instructions:

• Teacher introduces three short role-play scenarios:
  1. A friend forgets their lunch. What can you do?
  2. A new student is sitting alone. How do you respond?
  3. You and a classmate have had a disagreement – how can kindness help?
• In pairs, students choose one scenario and act it out for 30-40 seconds.
• After each performance, the class identifies the kindness strategies used.

4. Reflection Discussion (5 mins)

Purpose: Consolidate learning through personal reflection
Instructions:

• Teacher asks:
  • “When was a time someone showed kindness to you? How did it make you feel?”
  • “Why is kindness important, even towards people we might not like?”
• Students share their thoughts in a relaxed discussion.
• Teacher summarises key takeaways and introduces Lesson 2 preview: Putting kindness into practice through acts of service.

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Resources & Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Pre-prepared illustrated kindness scenario cards
• Role-playing prompt cards
• Timer or stopwatch

Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Oral communication skills during discussions and role-plays
• Social Sciences: Understanding relationships within communities

NZ Curriculum Alignment

Health and Physical Education (Level 4):

• Personal growth and development: Demonstrate an understanding of social behaviours that contribute to positive relationships.
• Relationships with Others: Identify ways kindness can strengthen relationships.

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Teacher Reflection Questions (Post-Lesson)

• Did all students engage positively?
• Were the discussion and activities age-appropriate?
• What adjustments could be made for Lesson 2?

This detailed, interactive lesson establishes a strong foundation for students to explore kindness meaningfully while catering to diverse learning needs.