Kind Words, Kind Actions wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Foundation that helps Australian teachers introduce sharing, kindness and shared respect through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Teachers introduce simple ideas about why sharing matters and how kind words and actions help friendships grow. Students learn to notice when someone might like to share, practise kind words they can use with friends, and understand how sharing and taking turns help everyone feel included.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Kind Words, Kind Actions
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce sharing and kindness using simple, everyday classroom language.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding why sharing is a kind and respectful choice
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 when someone might like a turn or a share
identify examples of kind words and kind actions
recognise how sharing can help a friend feel included
Understand
understand why sharing is a kind and fair choice
understand that friendships are built through small, everyday actions
Practise
practise simple phrases for offering to share or take turns
practise noticing when a friend might need a kind word
practise including others in play and classroom activities
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Foundation students who are beginning to learn about friendships, sharing and kind behaviour in the classroom.
It is suitable for:
early primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or circle time sessions
class culture and friendship skill building
early respectful relationships work
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.
Introducing sharing and kindness Use when students are new to talking about sharing, turns and kind behaviour.
Setting up classroom expectations Use when establishing early routines around sharing materials, space and attention.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing kindness, inclusion and respectful behaviour among the whole class.
Reinforcing friendship skills Use when students need practise recognising how small actions affect friendships.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping students notice and include peers who may be left out of play.
Creating a structured wellbeing discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about sharing 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
Young students are still learning what sharing looks like and why it matters to friendships. Kind Words, Kind Actions gives them simple, usable language for recognising these moments before habits around excluding others or holding on to things become the default. Building a classroom culture of sharing is not only about resolving disputes over toys or turns. It is also about helping students notice when a friend might like to be included, and practising the words and actions that support this. The lesson supports a positive classroom culture by helping students understand that kindness is something they can actively choose, one small action at a time.
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 Students notice when a friend might like a turn or a share.
Empathy Students consider how sharing or being left out makes others feel.
Relationship skills Students practise kind words and inclusive actions with peers.
Communication Students learn simple phrases for offering to share or take turns.
Cooperation Students practise fair and respectful ways to use shared materials or space.
Belonging Students reinforce that everyone can be included in play and classroom activities.
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 and scenarios, not personal accusations
Make clear that the lesson is about learning kind choices, 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 examples such as sharing a toy, taking turns or inviting a friend to play
Give students time to practise kind phrases aloud
Use visual or hands on cues where helpful for this age group
Allow students to respond through discussion, drawing or partner talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general rather than about specific classmates
Reinforce that kindness is a choice students can practise every day
Encourage students to speak to a trusted adult if something feels unfair or unsafe
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or drawing for students who are less confident speaking aloud
Spend more time on simple phrases if students need extra language support
Revisit examples throughout the week to reinforce the lesson's ideas
