Caring is Fun
Grade Level 1-3

Leader Hints: Think of how compassion and giving has helped you in your career and your life. Were there times you were not compassionate that hurt you? Think of how others' compassion helped you. Think of how others' lack of compassion hurt you. Your students need to know that compassion is important to you. By jotting down these formative life experiences before the lesson, you'll have them to share during the discussion time.

I'd like for everyone to untie one of your shoes. (If you don't have laces, work with a classmate's shoe.) Now, imagine that you hurt your good hand at recess, the hand you normally use. Try to tie it back using only that hand. (Variations include: With your good hand behind your back, pull out a sheet of paper and a pencil and try to draw something.)

Discussion 

How many of you got frustrated? How did it feel to not be able to do simple stuff? 

You know, that's exactly how others feel when they have a hard time doing things. 

• Some people have a harder time doing math than others. That's how they feel. It's frustrating. 
• Others have a harder time reading than others. That's how they feel. Frustrated. 
• Others have a hard time throwing balls or running. Now you know how they feel. Frustrated.
• Sometimes I'm feeling bad and have a hard time teaching. That's how I feel. Frustrated.

What should we do when we see a person having a hard time doing something? (Try to help. Teacher: Share about how people have helped you.)

How do you feel when you've helped somebody else? (Teacher: share about a time you helped someone and tell how you felt.)

Game: Make Me Smile

Pair up with another student. Now, without touching, by only saying something or making a face, try to make the other person smile. (Give them a moment.) Next, let the other try to make you smile.

If you got the other person to smile, what did you do next? (You probably smiled too.) Have you ever noticed that by making other people happy, we often make ourselves happy? (Teacher: Do you have a personal story along this line?)

Ways to Care (Brainstorm)

What are some ways we can help others at school? (Write them on the board.)

What are some ways we can help people at home? (Write them on the board.)