Students will learn about the classroom Tree of Care project and brainstorm self-kindness ideas. After watching "Try A Little Kindness," they will brainstorm ways to be kind to others and create Seeds of Kindness to add to the Tree of Care display.
You will need to prepare a designated place in your classroom for the Tree of Care that will be developed throughout the lesson. Over the span of the unit, students will be adding various relevant elements to this tree. Ideally about half (or a full size) bulletin board, would work for a full display by the end of the unit. This consideration will help anchor the theme and conversation within the classroom community.
On Slide 4, it is encouraged that you bring into the classroom soil, water and a flashlight to introduce the Tree of Care unit project. Students love to have actual plant matter and real materials in the classroom. To the extent possible, using real water, soil, and a flashlight to represent the ingredients needed for kindness helps to enhance this lesson. If you prefer, the Tree Growing Cards provided in the handout packet for this lesson can be used as an alternative.
On Slide 7, students will need space to act out different poses for the mindful movement. If space in the class is limited, consider having students simply stand by their desks for this activity.
On Slide 9, students will create their Self-Care Booklets. The Self-Care Book Handout is a two-page document that should be printed double-sided. Each student will receive one.
On Slide 12, students will create their seeds of kindness. Each Seeds of Kindness Handout includes four seeds and should be pre-cut. Every student will receive one seed.
Please ensure to pre-check videos before class, as internet policies may vary among schools, to ensure accessibility.