Lesson 212: Helping classmates

❤️ SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (40 Lessons) • 🔵 B. Understanding Others

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Objective

I can notice when a classmate might need help and offer help kindly. I can ask first, listen to the answer, and know when it is better to ask an adult for help.

Materials

Mini-lesson — What does it mean to help classmates?

In a classroom, we are part of a team. Classmates can help each other so that everyone can learn.

Helping means making a job easier

  • Picking up crayons that fell on the floor.
  • Showing a classmate where to put papers away.
  • Walking with a friend who feels nervous.

We ask before we help

  • We can say, "Do you want some help?"
  • Or, "I can help you carry this if you like."
  • If they say "no", we respect their choice.

Safe and kind helping

  • Use gentle hands and quiet voices.
  • Help with small tasks like tidying or showing.
  • Do not lift people or run while holding sharp objects.

Helping is not doing all the work

  • We do not write answers for classmates.
  • We can show how to do something, then let them try.
  • This helps everyone learn and feel proud.

When to ask an adult for help

  • When someone is hurt or crying hard.
  • When a problem feels too big to fix alone.
  • When we see unsafe behaviour, like pushing or fighting.

Adults can model simple helping scripts and point out real moments when classmates help each other well.

Picture strip: "I can help you."

Guided Practice — Helping scripts

You and an adult will practise short helping scripts to use in the classroom.

  1. On a notebook page, draw three speech bubbles in a column. Number them 1, 2, and 3.
  2. In bubble 1, the adult helps you write or trace: "Do you want some help?"
  3. In bubble 2, write or trace: "I can show you how, then you can try."
  4. In bubble 3, choose a sentence for when you need an adult, such as: "I will tell the teacher so they can help." Write or trace it in the bubble.
  5. Next to each speech bubble, draw two simple stick figures (you and a classmate) showing the helping moment.
  6. Practise reading the three bubbles aloud with the adult. The adult can switch roles so you practise being the person who offers help and the person who receives help.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: As you trace, say a sentence such as "I can be a kind helper in my class."

Practice — Helping hands chart

Use this practice to help your child notice real ways they can help classmates during the week.

  1. On a new page, draw a large hand in the middle with five fingers. Inside the palm, write or trace: "Helping hands in our class".
  2. On each finger, write or trace one small helping idea, such as: "pick up books", "share crayons", "show where things go", "walk with a friend", or "ask the teacher to help".
  3. Around the hand, draw tiny pictures that match each helping idea. For example, a book pile, crayons, a backpack, or two children walking.
  4. Talk with the child: "Which helping idea feels easiest to try first?" and "When should we ask an adult instead of helping by ourselves?"
  5. During the week, the adult can quietly notice and point out: "That was a helping hand when you held the door." Add a star or sticker near that finger on the chart.
  6. At the end of the week, look at the chart together and celebrate one helping moment the child feels proud of.

Quick Check — Helping classmates

Answer each question about noticing when to help, offering help kindly, and asking an adult when a problem is too big.

1) What does it mean to help a classmate?

Helping means making a job easier, kindly and safely.

2) What is a good helping question to ask?

Asking, "Do you want some help?" is kind and respectful.

3) Your classmate drops their pencil case and things spill. What could you do?

Offering to help pick things up is a kind choice.

4) Your classmate says, "No, I am okay." after you offer help. What could you say?

We respect their choice and stay kind.

5) Which is a safe helping choice?

Helping should be safe for you and your classmate.

6) Your friend is hurt and crying on the playground. What should you do?

Big problems need adult help; you can stay with your friend.

7) Your classmate does not understand a worksheet. What is a helpful choice?

Showing how and then letting them try helps them learn.

8) Which words fit a helping classroom best?

Polite words show kindness and respect when we help.

9) When might it be best to get an adult instead of helping by yourself?

Adults should help with unsafe or very big problems.

10) What is one big goal of this lesson?

The goal is to help classmates in kind, safe, respectful ways.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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