Gentle Hands, Gentle Words wellbeing lesson plan
A Foundation wellbeing lesson that helps Australian teachers introduce gentle hands and gentle words through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn simple ways to interact kindly and gently with others, including using kind words, gentle touch and taking turns. The lesson gives teachers a calm, practical starting point for building early classroom expectations around kindness and gentle behaviour, without needing extra preparation.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Gentle Hands, Gentle Words
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce gentle behaviour and kind words to the youngest students in the school.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Using gentle hands and kind words in everyday interactions
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise the difference between gentle and rough actions
Recognise kind words compared to unkind words
Recognise everyday classroom situations where gentle hands and gentle words matter
Understand
Understand that gentle hands and kind words help classmates feel safe and comfortable
Understand that everyone has a personal space that should be respected
Practise
Practise using gentle hands during classroom activities
Practise simple kind words, such as asking for a turn or saying sorry
Practise waiting and taking turns with classmates
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Foundation students who are just beginning to learn classroom routines, personal space and how to interact kindly with others.
It is suitable for:
Foundation wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
early classroom routine and behaviour expectation work
early respectful relationships learning
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student 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.
Starting the school year Use when setting up early classroom expectations around gentle hands and kind words.
Introducing personal space Use when students are learning about respecting each other's space and belongings.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing gentle, respectful behaviour as part of everyday routines.
Practising safe responses Use when students are learning how to respond gently instead of pushing, grabbing or hitting.
Reinforcing kind communication Use when students need simple words for asking for a turn or saying sorry.
Preparing for group activities Use before activities that involve sharing space, materials or taking turns.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Foundation students are still learning how their actions and words affect the people around them. Gentle hands and gentle words give them an early, simple foundation for building respectful, healthy relationships as they move through school. Teaching gentle behaviour early is not only about avoiding rough play. It helps students build habits of kindness, patience and respectful communication that support them in the classroom, on the playground and in friendships. This lesson supports a calm, safe classroom culture by helping students understand that kindness starts with small, everyday choices, such as how they touch, speak to and share space with others.
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
Self regulation Students practise using gentle hands instead of rough actions when excited or frustrated.
Social awareness Students notice how their actions affect classmates' comfort and safety.
Communication skills Students practise simple kind words for asking, waiting and apologising.
Empathy Students consider how gentle or rough behaviour makes others feel.
Cooperation Students practise sharing space, materials and turns with classmates.
Respectful behaviour Students build early habits of treating others gently and kindly.
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 students not to name classmates or share stories about other people
Frame the discussion around general examples, not personal accusations
Make clear that the lesson is about learning gentle, kind habits, not blaming anyone
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
During delivery
Use simple, familiar examples such as sharing, waiting for a turn or bumping into someone
Model gentle actions and kind words alongside the discussion
Give students time to practise phrases such as asking for a turn or saying sorry
Keep instructions short and repeat key language often
Supporting safe discussion
Use general examples rather than personal disclosures
Reinforce that everyone deserves gentle, kind treatment
Encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or unsure
Adaptation options
Use partner practice or role modelling for confident groups
Use drawing or simple demonstration for students who need more support
Spend more time on personal space if students need extra reinforcement
