The Happy Faces

SEL Domain(s): Empathy

Relational Risk: Low

Grades: K-2

*Lesson may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of students

Description:

Students practice empathy by noticing when others need encouragement and offering kindness through symbolic “happy faces.”

Materials

• Book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

• 3 happy face cutouts per student

• Paper, crayons, or markers for reflection drawings

• Lesson script

Steps

1. Read Aloud & Discussion:

   • Read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day aloud.

   • Share a personal story about a bad day and how a small act of kindness helped.

2. Introduce Empathy & Bystander Role:

   • Explain what a bystander is and how doing nothing is not an option.

   • Discuss how empathy means noticing and caring about others’ feelings.

3. Happy Face Challenge:

   • Give each student 3 happy face cutouts.

   • Instruct them to give a happy face and say something kind to someone outside their classroom who looks like they need cheer.

4. Reflection Activity:

   • At the end of the week, students write or draw about how it felt to give a happy face and how the recipient reacted.

   • Share these reflections in a circle or display them.

Extension Activity:

• Secretly arrange for other staff or classes to give happy faces to your students.

• Pair students to give happy faces to adults at school who could use encouragement.