Kindness and Fairness

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for Year 2 students (ages 6-7) to develop understanding and skills around kindness and fairness. It closely aligns with the National Curriculum for England, particularly within PSHE education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education). The aim is to build empathy, promote positive social behaviour, and encourage children to reflect on their actions in relation to others.

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National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Education Programme of Study (Key Stage 1)
  • Living in the wider world:
    • "that people and other living things have rights and that everyone has responsibilities to protect those rights"
  • Relationships:
    • "how to recognise what is fair and unfair, kind and unkind, what is right and wrong"
  • Health and Wellbeing:
    • Developing skills to make decisions which respect others’ feelings, rights and bodies

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Learning Objectives (LO)

• To describe what it means to treat others in a kind and fair way.

What I’m Looking For (WILF)

• I can give an example of being kind.
• I can say what is fair or unfair.
• I can act kindly in a game or activity.

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Resources

• Emotion/feelings flashcards
• “Kindness and Fairness” storybook or scenario cards
• Whiteboard and markers
• A soft ball or bean bag
• Reward stickers or kindness certificates
• Game equipment: cones, scarves, or soft balls for a team game

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage with Feelings Flashcards: Show children flashcards with faces expressing various emotions (happy, sad, angry, confused).
• Ask: How do you think this person is feeling? and What might have happened to make them feel this way?
• Briefly introduce the idea that how we treat others affects how they feel.

2. Story/Scenario Discussion (10 minutes)

• Read a short story or present scenario cards that demonstrate acts of kindness and fairness/unfairness.
• Example: A story where someone shares their snack, or another child isn’t given a turn in a game.
• Pause and ask:
  • What was kind or fair in the story?
  • What was unfair or unkind?
  • How would you feel if you were in the story?

3. Collaborative Brainstorm (10 minutes)

• On the whiteboard, create two columns: "Kind" and "Fair."
• Invite children to give examples and ideas of kind actions and what fairness means.
• Highlight examples from their own experience or from the story.
• Reinforce language linked to the learning objectives: kind, fair, unfair, share, help, take turns.

4. Active Game – ‘Kindness in Action’ (20 minutes)

• Game: Pass and Praise
  • Children sit or stand in a circle and gently toss a soft ball or bean bag to one another.
  • When a child catches the ball, they must give a compliment or say something kind or fair they could do for a friend or in school.
  • Encourage children to practise active listening and positive feedback.
• Follow-up: Mini Team Game – ‘Fair Play’
  • Organise a simple team activity (e.g., a relay race or ball pass game) where children practise taking turns and supporting each other.
  • Emphasise the importance of acting kindly and fairly throughout the game—remind children of the words from the brainstorm.

5. Reflection and Assessment (10 minutes)

• Gather students together and ask:
  • Can you give an example of being kind today?
  • Can you tell me something that is fair or unfair?
  • How did you act kindly in the game?
• Use questioning and student responses to assess their understanding against the WILF.
• Hand out kindness certificates or stickers to celebrate their involvement and effort practising kindness and fairness.

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Differentiation

• Provide sentence starters for children who may struggle to express ideas (e.g. “I am kind when I...”).
• Use visual aids and gestures to support understanding of key vocabulary.
• For children with additional needs, provide small group support during discussions and games.

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Extension Ideas

• Set a “Kindness Champion” role for the week to encourage practising kindness throughout the school day.
• Keep a classroom kindness diary for children to contribute daily acts of kindness or fairness they notice or perform.

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Teacher Notes

• Emphasise the emotional impact of kindness and fairness to relate to children’s everyday experiences.
• Foster a safe, supportive classroom atmosphere where children feel comfortable sharing.
• Reinforce that kindness and fairness apply both inside and outside school.

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This plan combines interactive, discussion-based, and physical activities, ensuring all learners engage meaningfully with the concepts of kindness and fairness according to KS1 statutory guidance.