K–5 Reading

Central Message

When We Are Kind

12 minutes

Ready-to-teach lesson

TUMBLETA / ELA SKILL PLAN

Central Message

When We Are Kind · Kindergarten · 12 minutes Written by Monique Gray Smith. Illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. Orca Book Publishers, 2020.

Objective:
State a simple message about whom kindness can include and support it with two book examples.
Student product:
One oral message supported by two examples from the book.
Materials:
Book or read-along; drawing or response materials.
Kindergarten
Students may respond orally, by pointing or selecting, with a drawing
response options:
and oral explanation, or through adult scribing. Independent writing is not required unless the teacher deliberately adds it.

Focus question

What message do the examples and ending give about whom kindness can include?

Teacher model:
The book shows that kindness can include people, the earth, and yourself.
Expected answer:
Kindness can reach people, the earth, and oneself.

Where to look in the book

  • Revisit one moment showing kindness toward people.
  • Revisit one moment showing kindness toward the earth or self.
  • Use the ending to help students see that the examples belong to one larger idea.
Lesson sequence
3 min
Revisit three examples from the book: care for people, care for the earth, and care for self.
2 min
Ask what all three examples have in common.
2 min
Model a short message: Kindness can include ___.
3 min
Students state the message and point to two supporting examples in the book.
2 min
Exit check: Give the message plus one supporting example.
Differentiate
Extend:
Ask how the ending makes the earlier examples feel connected.
Support:
Point to examples for people, earth, and self; have the student choose two and explain each.

Assessment

  • States that kindness can include more than one kind of recipient.
  • Uses at least two book examples.
Exit check:
Give the message plus one supporting example.

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