Sharing is Caring wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Foundation students that helps Australian teachers introduce sharing, taking turns and everyday kindness through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn what it looks like to be kind by sharing and taking turns, and practise simple ways to include others and manage their turn fairly in classroom and playground situations.
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 sharing and taking turns
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 is sharing or taking turns fairly
Recognise when a turn taking situation feels unfair
Recognise that everyone gets a turn to join in and be included
Understand
Understand why sharing and taking turns helps friendships work well
Understand that waiting for a turn is part of playing and working fairly with others
Practise
Practise simple phrases for asking for a turn or offering to share
Practise waiting patiently and taking turns during a shared activity
Practise asking a trusted adult for help if a turn taking situation feels unfair
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Foundation students who are beginning to learn about friendship, fairness and getting along with others.
It is suitable for:
early primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or circle time sessions
class culture and classroom expectation work
early friendship and social skills programs
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 classroom expectations Use when setting up early expectations for sharing materials, equipment or attention during group activities.
Building classroom culture Use when establishing a class culture where fairness and turn taking are understood from the start of the year.
Practising safe responses Use when students are learning what to say or do if a turn taking situation feels unfair, without arguing or grabbing.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping students understand that everyone gets a turn to join in and be included.
Reinforcing previous learning Use when revisiting sharing and fairness after noticing students need a reminder during group or play activities.
Creating a structured wellbeing discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about kindness, fairness and sharing.
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 how to share attention, materials and turns with others, and this takes practice. Teaching sharing and turn taking early helps students build the language and confidence to manage everyday classroom and playground situations fairly. It also gives students a shared understanding of what fair play looks like, which supports a calmer classroom environment. The lesson supports a positive class culture by helping students see that kindness includes small, everyday choices, such as waiting for a turn or offering to share, and that these choices help everyone feel included.
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 sharing and turn taking are happening fairly.
Empathy Students consider how waiting or missing a turn might feel for others.
Self regulation Students practise waiting patiently for their turn.
Relationship skills Students practise simple phrases for sharing and asking for a turn.
Fairness Students understand what fair sharing and turn taking look like.
Help seeking Students learn they can ask a trusted adult if a situation feels unfair.
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 fair sharing habits, not blaming anyone
Identify trusted adults students can speak to if a turn taking situation feels unfair
During delivery
Use simple examples such as waiting for a turn, sharing materials or letting a friend join in
Give students time to practise sharing phrases aloud
Reinforce that waiting for a turn is part of playing and working fairly with others
Allow students to respond through discussion, drawing or partner talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that asking for help with a turn taking problem is a responsible choice
Keep language simple and age-appropriate throughout the discussion
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Adaptation options
Use partner talk or small groups for students who are still developing spoken language confidence
Use drawing or simple visuals to support students who find verbal discussion harder
Spend more time on trusted adults if students need extra support identifying help pathways
