aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Personal development
What age group	Year or Grade 1
What topic	Kindness
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Kindness Lesson Starter: A Rainbow of Kindness

Objective

To introduce the concept of kindness through a fun and engaging activity that helps young students understand what it means to be kind.

Materials Needed

• A large piece of white poster board
• Markers or crayons in various colors
• Sticky notes or small pieces of colored paper
• A box or basket for collecting notes
• A picture book about kindness (e.g., "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud)

Lesson Setup

1. The Kindness Rainbow

Start the lesson by creating a "Kindness Rainbow" on the poster board. Draw a large rainbow arch and label each color with a positive word related to kindness, such as:

• Red: Help
• Orange: Share
• Yellow: Smile
• Green: Listen
• Blue: Support
• Purple: Encourage

2. Story Time

Gather the students around you and read a picture book that illustrates the value of kindness. While reading, pause to ask questions:

• "What did the character do that was kind?"
• "How do you think that made others feel?"

Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences related to the story.

3. Kindness Notes Activity

After the story, explain that they will help fill the Kindness Rainbow with their own acts of kindness. Give each student a sticky note or a small piece of colored paper. Ask them to think of a kind thing they have done or would like to do.

4. Sharing and Collecting Kindness

Once students have written down their acts of kindness, invite them to share with the class and then place their notes in the corresponding color section of the rainbow. For example, if someone wrote, "I helped my friend when they fell," they can stick it near the color red.

5. Reflection

End the activity by sitting in a circle and discussing the following:

• "Why is kindness important?"
• "How can we show kindness every day?"

Encourage students to think of one way they can be kind that day and share it with the class before they leave.

Conclusion

This engaging session not only helps students understand the importance of kindness but also allows them to express their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. By creating a visual representation of their acts of kindness, students can take pride in their contributions to a positive and supportive classroom community.