Spreading Joy Together

Overview

This 35-minute lesson is designed for 6th grade students to explore ways to spread joy throughout their school community. Through guided discussion, collaborative activities, and reflective writing, students will develop empathy, practice kind communication, and create actionable plans to brighten their school environment. The lesson aligns with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) focusing on writing, speaking & listening, and reading comprehension skills intertwined with social-emotional learning.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Write a clear paragraph explaining how they can spread joy in school, using descriptive language and appropriate transitions.
(CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2)
Engage effectively in group discussions, articulating ideas clearly and building on peers’ contributions.
(CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1)
Read and infer the main idea and details from a short text on the impact of kindness and joy.
(CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1)
Reflect on their own experiences and identify positive actions they can take at school.

Materials Needed

"Spreading Joy" short reading passage (1 page, age-appropriate text on acts of kindness)
Worksheet: "How Can I Spread Joy?" (includes comprehension questions and writing prompts)
Blank index cards (1 per student)
Markers, colored pencils
Poster board or large butcher paper

Lesson Timeline

Time	Activity	Description
0-5 min	Warm-up & Introduction	Begin with a brief class discussion. Teacher asks: “What does it mean to spread joy? Why is it important at school?” Write students' ideas on the board to create a shared definition.
5-15 min	Reading & Comprehension	Distribute short reading passage "Spreading Joy." Students read silently, then answer 2-3 comprehension questions on their individual worksheets focusing on main idea and details (RI.6.1). Discuss answers as a class.
15-25 min	Group Discussion & Brainstorming	In groups of three, students discuss: “What are three ways you can spread joy at school?” Each group shares 1-2 ideas with the class. Teacher records ideas on poster board. (SL.6.1)
25-32 min	Writing Activity	Students individually write a short paragraph on their worksheet explaining one way they personally plan to spread joy at school, using transition words and descriptive language (W.6.2).
32-35 min	Closing & Sharing Joy Cards	Each student writes a kind note or uplifting message on an index card to anonymously leave for a classmate or school staff member. Collect cards to redistribute during the week.

Detailed Activity Instructions

Warm-up & Introduction (5 minutes)

Project the question: “What does it mean to spread joy?”
Students share out loud. Emphasize words like kindness, happiness, support.
Write main ideas on the board to create a working definition.

Reading & Comprehension (10 minutes)

Text focuses on small acts that bring smiles, like greeting others warmly, helping classmates, or sharing positive words.
Comprehension questions sample:
- What is the main idea of the passage?
- List two examples the author gives of spreading joy.
- Why do these small acts matter?
Discuss responses, clarify unknown vocabulary.

Group Discussion & Brainstorming (10 minutes)

In groups of 3, students brainstorm specific, realistic ways to spread joy at their own school (e.g., compliment a peer, help with lockers).
Encourage respectful listening and building on ideas.
Share some ideas aloud and record them on a class poster titled "Our Joyful School."

Writing Activity (7 minutes)

Prompt: “Describe one way you will spread joy in our school. Explain why it is important.”
Remind use of transitions (first, next, finally) and adjectives.
Teacher circulates providing support and feedback.

Closing & Sharing Joy Cards (3 minutes)

Each student writes a positive message or compliment on an index card.
Cards will be anonymously distributed throughout the week to boost morale schoolwide.
Quick reflection: How did it feel to think about spreading joy?

Assessment & Reflection

Formative: Monitor group discussions for participation and respectful listening.
Worksheet: Check comprehension questions and writing paragraph for clarity and content.
Exit Activity: Collect joy cards as evidence of engagement.
Teacher notes anecdotal evidence of student enthusiasm and understanding.

Common Core Standards Alignment

Standard	Description	Relevant Activity/Skill
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1	Cite textual evidence to support analysis of informational text.	Reading passage, comprehension questions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2	Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic.	Individual paragraph writing on spreading joy
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1	Engage effectively in collaborative discussions.	Group brainstorming and sharing ideas

Worksheet: "How Can I Spread Joy?"

Part 1: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage “Spreading Joy in Our School” and answer:

What is the main message of the passage?
Name two ways the passage suggests to spread joy.
Why do small acts of kindness help improve our school?

Part 2: Writing Prompt
Write a paragraph that answers:

What is one way you can spread joy at school?
Why is it important? Use at least two transition words (e.g., first, next, finally).

This thoughtfully designed lesson combines literacy, oral communication, and social-emotional learning to inspire students to create a positive environment — demonstrating the power of kindness through action and words.

Teaching Instructions