Activity Overview
Social awareness is the ability to understand things from other people’s point of view and feel empathy for others. It is also the ability to show respect for others and appreciate and embrace diversity. In the story Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, a young girl ponders the meaning of kindness when a classmate spills juice and everyone laughs. She gives several examples of small and big ways that we can be kind to one another, and how little acts of kindness can go a long way. For this activity, students will complete a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates an act of kindness.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Social Awareness
- The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
- First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch
- I Am Henry Finch by Alexis Deacon
- Windows by Julia Denos
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates an act of kindness.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a brief description for each cell, describing what is happening in the scene.
- Create an illustration that represents the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Social awareness is the ability to understand things from other people’s point of view and feel empathy for others. It is also the ability to show respect for others and appreciate and embrace diversity. In the story Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, a young girl ponders the meaning of kindness when a classmate spills juice and everyone laughs. She gives several examples of small and big ways that we can be kind to one another, and how little acts of kindness can go a long way. For this activity, students will complete a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates an act of kindness.
Other Picture Books for Teaching Social Awareness
- The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
- First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch
- I Am Henry Finch by Alexis Deacon
- Windows by Julia Denos
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell storyboard that illustrates an act of kindness.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a brief description for each cell, describing what is happening in the scene.
- Create an illustration that represents the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Be Kind: Social Awareness
Encourage Daily Acts of Kindness with a Classroom Kindness Chart
Start a classroom kindness chart to motivate students to notice and record kind actions each day. Visible reminders help reinforce positive behaviors and create a supportive environment where students feel proud to contribute.
Explain the purpose of the kindness chart to your students
Let students know that the chart is a way to celebrate kindness and remind everyone how their actions matter. Setting clear expectations ensures students understand why kindness is important and how it helps their classroom community.
Model how to recognize and record acts of kindness
Demonstrate by noticing a small kind act—like someone sharing supplies—and writing it on the chart. Use specific examples so students know exactly what to look for and how to record it themselves.
Invite students to add to the kindness chart daily
Encourage everyone to spot and document kind acts by classmates. Make it a routine—perhaps at the end of each day—so students look forward to sharing positive moments.
Reflect on the kindness chart together each week
Review the chart as a class and celebrate the caring actions students showed. Reflection builds empathy and helps students see the impact of their kindness on others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Be Kind: Social Awareness
What is a simple classroom activity to teach kindness using picture books?
A 3 cell storyboard is an easy activity where students illustrate and describe acts of kindness inspired by picture books like Be Kind. This helps students reflect on empathy and positive actions in a creative way.
How can I use the book 'Be Kind' to promote social awareness in my classroom?
Read Be Kind aloud, discuss the story’s examples of kindness, and have students create a storyboard showing their own acts of kindness. This encourages empathy and respect for others’ perspectives.
What other picture books are good for teaching social awareness to elementary students?
Great options include The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, First Come the Zebra by Lynne Barasch, I Am Henry Finch by Alexis Deacon, and Windows by Julia Denos.
How do I guide students in creating a kindness storyboard?
Have students choose an act of kindness, then draw and describe it in three scenes. Encourage them to use clear descriptions, expressive characters, and relevant settings for each cell.
Why is it important to teach social awareness and empathy in grades 3-4?
Building social awareness at this age helps students understand diverse perspectives, develop empathy, and create a positive, respectful classroom environment.
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