Sharing is Caring PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Reception that helps UK teachers introduce sharing, turn taking and everyday kindness through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise when someone is waiting for a turn, practise simple phrases for sharing fairly, and understand why taking turns helps friendships feel fair and kind.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Sharing is Caring
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce sharing and turn taking using simple, age-appropriate language.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Being kind by taking turns and sharing fairly
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise when someone is waiting for a turn
Recognise sharing and turn taking as examples of kindness
Recognise how it feels to share and how it feels to wait
Understand
Understand why taking turns helps friendships feel fair
Understand that sharing is a choice that shows respect for others
Practise
Practise simple phrases for asking to share or take a turn
Practise offering a turn to someone else
Practise noticing when a friend is waiting and responding kindly
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Reception pupils who are beginning to learn about sharing, friendships and getting along with others.
It is suitable for:
early primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class culture and early friendship skill building
introducing classroom expectations around sharing
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing early friendship skills Use when pupils are new to structured discussion about sharing and kindness.
Building classroom culture Use when setting expectations for sharing equipment, space or attention in the classroom.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping pupils notice and respond to others who are waiting or left out of a turn.
Reinforcing respectful communication Use when pupils need practice with polite, fair language for asking to share.
Practising safe responses Use when pupils are learning how to wait, ask and offer without grabbing or arguing.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led conversation about fairness and kindness.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils need simple, usable language for sharing and taking turns early in their school life, before habits around fairness and kindness are formed. Sharing and turn taking are some of the first relationship skills pupils practise at school. Learning to notice when someone is waiting, and choosing to share fairly, helps pupils build early habits of respect and inclusion. The lesson supports a positive classroom culture by helping pupils understand that kindness can be small and practical, such as offering a turn or sharing a resource without being asked.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Social awareness Pupils notice when someone else is waiting for a turn.
Empathy Pupils consider how it feels to share and how it feels to wait.
Communication Pupils practise simple phrases for asking to share or offering a turn.
Fairness Pupils explore why taking turns helps everyone feel included.
Relationship skills Pupils practise small acts of kindness within friendships.
Self-regulation Pupils practise waiting patiently for a turn.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share stories about other people
Frame the discussion around general examples, not personal accusations
Make clear the lesson is about learning to share and take turns, not about blame
Identify simple phrases pupils can practise together as a class
During delivery
Use simple examples such as waiting for a turn or sharing a resource
Give pupils time to practise phrases aloud with a partner or in a small group
Reinforce that sharing is a kind choice, not something pupils are forced to do
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or partner talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general so no pupil feels singled out
Encourage pupils to speak about how sharing feels rather than naming specific classmates
Use scenarios rather than personal disclosures where possible
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or role modelling for confident groups
Use drawing or simple mirroring for quieter groups
Spend more time on practising phrases if pupils need extra support with turn taking
