Lesson Plan
Sharing is Caring
Students will define sharing, identify its benefits, and brainstorm practical ways to share resources, ideas, and kindness within their classroom and community.
Sharing is a fundamental social skill that fosters strong friendships, promotes cooperation, and creates a positive, supportive learning environment for all. It teaches empathy and resourcefulness.
Audience
4th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and collaborative activity
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Sharing is Caring Slide Deck, Sharing Scenarios Activity, and Cool Down: My Sharing Pledge
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Sharing is Caring Slide Deck and practice the accompanying Sharing is Caring Script.
- Print or prepare to display the Sharing Scenarios Activity.
- Prepare to distribute the Cool Down: My Sharing Pledge.
Step 1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What does 'sharing' mean to you?" (2 minutes)
- Discuss their responses and introduce the lesson's objective using Sharing is Caring Slide Deck (Slide 1-2). (3 minutes)
Step 2
Understanding Sharing
10 minutes
- Use the Sharing is Caring Slide Deck (Slides 3-5) to discuss different types of sharing (resources, ideas, feelings).
- Facilitate a brief discussion on why sharing is important, focusing on the benefits for individuals and the community. Refer to the Sharing is Caring Script for prompts. (5 minutes)
- Ask students for examples of when they've shared or seen sharing happen. (5 minutes)
Step 3
Sharing Scenarios Activity
10 minutes
- Divide students into small groups. (1 minute)
- Distribute or display the Sharing Scenarios Activity. (1 minute)
- Instruct groups to discuss each scenario and decide how they would share effectively. Encourage them to think about fairness, kindness, and problem-solving. (6 minutes)
- Bring the class back together and have a few groups share their solutions. (2 minutes)
Step 4
Wrap-up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Conclude with the Cool Down: My Sharing Pledge.
- Have students write down one thing they will commit to sharing this week and why it's important to them. (3 minutes)
- Collect the pledges as an exit ticket. (2 minutes)
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Slide Deck
Sharing is Caring!
What does sharing mean to you?
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Ask them what 'sharing' means to them. Encourage a few responses to get them thinking.
Our Goal Today
We will learn what sharing is, why it's important, and how we can share in different ways!
Introduce the objective of the lesson.
Sharing Resources
Giving others access to things you have.
- Toys
- Art supplies
- Books
- Snacks
Why is sharing resources important?
Explain what sharing resources means. Ask for examples from students.
Sharing Ideas
Letting others know your thoughts or suggestions.
- Working on a group project
- Brainstorming solutions
- Telling a story
- Offering help with homework
Why is sharing ideas important?
Explain what sharing ideas means. Ask for examples from students.
Sharing Kindness
Showing care and empathy to others.
- A friendly smile
- A helping hand
- Listening to a friend
- Inviting someone to play
Why is sharing kindness important?
Explain what sharing kindness means. Ask for examples from students.
Time for an Activity!
Let's work together to practice our sharing skills with some real-life scenarios!
Transition to the activity. Explain that they will work in groups.
My Sharing Pledge
What is one thing you will share this week, and why is it important to you?
Prompt students to think about their personal commitment to sharing.
Script
Sharing is Caring Script
Introduction (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something super important that helps us get along better and makes our classroom a happier place. Can anyone tell me, in your own words, what does 'sharing' mean to you?"
(Allow a few students to share their ideas. Affirm their responses.)
Teacher: "Great answers! You've already got some fantastic ideas. Today, our goal is to really understand what sharing is, why it's so important, and how we can practice sharing every single day. Look at our objective on the slide!"
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)
Understanding Sharing (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Sharing isn't just about toys, even though that's a big part of it when we're younger! Sharing comes in many different forms. Let's look at some of them."
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 3: Sharing Resources)
Teacher: "First up, Sharing Resources. This means giving others access to things you have. Think about things like: toys, art supplies, books, or even a snack. What happens if someone never shares their crayons during an art project? Or if no one ever shares the ball at recess?"
(Allow brief responses.)
Teacher: "Exactly! It makes things difficult, and sometimes, it's not very fair. When we share resources, we make sure everyone has what they need, and we can all enjoy things together. It helps us cooperate and be fair."
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 4: Sharing Ideas)
Teacher: "Next, we have Sharing Ideas. This is about letting others know your thoughts or suggestions. When you're working on a group project, brainstorming solutions, telling a story, or even offering help with homework, you're sharing your ideas. Why do you think sharing ideas is important? What could happen if no one shared their ideas in a group project?"
(Allow brief responses.)
Teacher: "Fantastic! Sharing ideas helps us learn from each other, come up with better solutions, and build on each other's strengths. It shows we value what others think and helps us create amazing things together."
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 5: Sharing Kindness)
Teacher: "Finally, and this is a really special one, Sharing Kindness. This means showing care and empathy to others. It could be a friendly smile, a helping hand, listening to a friend who's sad, or inviting someone new to play. Why is sharing kindness so powerful? How does it make you feel when someone shares kindness with you?"
(Allow brief responses.)
Teacher: "Absolutely! Sharing kindness makes everyone feel good. It creates a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It builds friendships and makes our community stronger."
Sharing Scenarios Activity (10 minutes)
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 6: Time for an Activity!)
Teacher: "Now that we've talked about different kinds of sharing, let's put our brains to work! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get some scenarios. Your job is to discuss how you would share effectively in each situation. Think about fairness, kindness, and how you can solve problems together."
(Divide students into groups and distribute the Sharing Scenarios Activity. Circulate and assist groups as needed.)
Teacher: "Alright, let's come back together. Who would like to share one of their scenarios and how their group decided to handle it?"
(Allow 2-3 groups to share.)
Wrap-up & Reflection (5 minutes)
(Display Sharing is Caring Slide Deck - Slide 7: My Sharing Pledge)
Teacher: "You all did a wonderful job discussing those scenarios! Before we finish, I want each of you to think about one thing you will commit to sharing this week, and why it's important to you. It could be sharing a toy, an idea, or an act of kindness. I'm handing out a quick 'My Sharing Pledge' sheet for you to write your commitment down. This will be your exit ticket for today."
(Distribute Cool Down: My Sharing Pledge. Collect them as students finish.)
Teacher: "Thank you for a great discussion on sharing, everyone! Remember, sharing makes our world a better place for all of us."
Activity
Sharing Scenarios Activity
Instructions: Work with your group to discuss each scenario below. Decide how you would share effectively in each situation, thinking about fairness, kindness, and problem-solving. Be ready to share your ideas with the class!
Scenario 1: The Popular Toy
You and your friend both want to play with the only brand-new, super-popular toy during free time. How can you share the toy fairly so both of you get to enjoy it?
Scenario 2: The Group Project
Your group has a big project due, and everyone has different ideas about how to do it. Some ideas are good, but they are all very different. How can your group share all the ideas and choose the best path forward so everyone feels heard and the project is great?
Scenario 3: The Lonely New Kid
A new student just joined your class, and it's recess time. They look a little lonely standing by themselves. How can you and your friends share kindness and make the new student feel welcome?
Scenario 4: The Snack Surprise
You brought a really yummy snack to school, but your friend forgot their snack at home. They look a little sad and hungry. How can you share your snack in a way that is kind and thoughtful?
Cool Down
My Sharing Pledge
Think about what we discussed today about sharing resources, ideas, and kindness. What is one thing you will commit to sharing this week at school or at home?
Write down your pledge and explain why you think it's important to share that particular thing.
I pledge to share:
Because: