This preschool lesson plan will try to create a supportive and interactive environment where the children will be given ample opportunities to express themselves without any reservations. It shall provide them with a secure atmosphere where they can share their emotions with ease and without any apprehension of being judged. In this way, children will learn to cooperate and work in groups during group activities and discussions, which is very important for developing social skills. The lesson will also include strategies for practising respectful communication, allowing children to listen to and respect each other’s opinions while fostering empathy and understanding in their peer relationships. This supportive environment is vital for their emotional and social development.
Topic: Sharing Circles
Subject: Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Target Age Group: 3–5 years
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students will learn
- How to understand sharing and its value in building a relationship.
- Practice taking turns and articulating their feelings in a group situation.
- Develop active listening and empathy in the members of the team.
Materials Needed
- A soft plush toy or “talking stick” for turn-taking.
- A small basket of toys, crayons, or blocks for a sharing activity.
- A storybook about sharing (e.g., “Should I Share My Ice Cream?” by Mo Willems).
- A large piece of paper and markers for drawing.
- Stickers or small rewards for participation.
Content Standards
- Encourages good socialization among friends.
- Develops self-esteem and control of emotions.
- Encourages group play and solving problems together.
Lesson Procedure
- Introduction (5–7 minutes)
- Welcome and Circle Time:
- Gather the children in a circle on the floor. Greet them warmly and introduce the concept of a “Sharing Circle.” Explain to them that today they will be practising sharing, taking turns, and listening to one
- Icebreaker Activity:
- Pass around the stuffed animal or “talking stick” and ask each child to share his/her name and one thing they like to share (e.g., “I like to share my crayons”).
- Welcome and Circle Time:
- Story Time (8–10 minutes)
- Read a story about sharing (e.g., “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”). Stop and ask questions such as:
- “What is the character doing when he has to share?
- “How do you feel when someone shares with you?
- Discussion: The main message is that sharing makes us friends and happy.
- Read a story about sharing (e.g., “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”). Stop and ask questions such as:
- Sharing Activity (10–12 minutes)
- Preparation: Place a small basket of toys, crayons or blocks on the floor. Place children into smaller groups.
- Activity: Each child takes one thing and shares with a friend in their group.
- Guidance: Model how to ask, “Would you like to play with this?” and how to respond with “Thank you!”
- Debrief: Later, if at all possible, ask the children about their feelings when giving or receiving.
- Group Discussion (5 minutes)
- Encourage the children to reflect on sharing:
- “What did you enjoy about sharing today?”
- “Was it difficult to share something you enjoy?”
- Emphasize that sharing is beneficial for everyone to have fun.
- Encourage the children to reflect on sharing:
- Creative Expression (5 minutes)
- Provide the children with markers and a large piece of paper. Ask them to draw a picture of themselves sharing with a friend or family member.
- Showcase their artwork in the classroom to remind them of the lesson.
Assessment
- Assessment Observe the children while activities are in progress for
- Participation in group discussions.
- Sharing and taking turns.
- Expression of feelings, and then listening to their peers.
- Positively reinforce verbal praise or small rewards as needed.
Extension Activity
“Sharing Circle at Home” Ask the children to share one of their toys or things with family members at home and have their parents describe what happened when they come to class next.
