Relationship Skills
Family Resources on
Caring in the Classroom
Project and Purpose
By explicitly teaching whole life learning skills while honoring diverse identities, creating a sense of belonging, and promoting student agency toward personal growth and social impact, the teacher better creates a classroom environment that fosters well-being for self and others.
If the lesson is used in the classroom: The goal of this lesson was for students to define caring and begin practicing a caring classroom climate.
In class students brainstormed ways to show caring for each other by drawing pictures showing caring and kindness. After drawing their pictures there was a discussion about their drawings (or there will be a discussion in the next few days).
Getting Ready for the Conversation
Caring for others and showing kindness are essential to maintaining happy and productive lives. This lesson helps students practice being kind to each other in a classroom which can be applied to other settings.
Conversation Starters and Practice at Home Activities
If you have access to it, have your child show you their classroom drawing and explain it to you (if the drawing is not available, have your child describe what they drew for you).
Offer your child some situations at home or in the community and have your child explain how they could show caring and kindness in those situations.
Discuss the following questions:
- Why do you think it is important to show others that you are a caring person?
- Why do you think caring is important within your classroom?
- What are some other places besides school where you can show others that you are a caring person? How do you show this?
School to Home Resources on Caring in the Classroom
In this lesson students will define what caring looks, sounds, and feels like. Then, students will think of ways to build a caring community in their own classroom.
Format
This 25–35 minute lesson is designed for flexibility. It can be taught in one day or over the course of a week.
- Warm Welcome
- Feelings Check-in
- SEL Skill Spotlight
- Active Engagement
- Closing Connection
