Lessons

Grade 1

Lesson

1

:

Learning Compassion from Literature

Lesson
1
:

Learning Compassion from Literature

Grade

Grade 1

UNIT

6

•

Compassion

Last Updated:

June 5, 2025

Unit 6, Lesson 1, “Learning Compassion from Literature,” reinforces the vocabulary word compassion. Students will learn the examples of compassion from a classic work of children’s literature. Additionally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their comprehension of the word compassion. Finally, students will practice their reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates.

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SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Listen to a read aloud to reinforce understanding of English sentence structure, syntax, and grammar
  • Spell, define, and give an example of compassion
  • Compose sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word compassion 
  • Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar in writing and speaking 
  • Practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates

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REQUIRED MATERIALS:

  • Stuffed animal or friend — the day before reading the book, tell each student to bring their favorite stuffed animal. Have a few extras on hand in case some students forget. 
  • Book: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams or 
  • Video: Read aloud of The Velveteen Rabbit by Ninety Books (~7 min)
  • Prohuman Grade 1 Unit 6 Worksheet 1: Learning Compassion From Literature

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VOCABULARY:

  •  Compassion: I see when others are hurt or need help, and I try to help them. 

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ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1.A

Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word, capitalization, ending punctuation).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2

Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3

Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.10

With prompting and support, read prose and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1

Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.A

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6

Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation.

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CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

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Moral Character A

Know, understand, and practice the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative

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Moral Character A5

Understand why caring and being concerned for the well-being of others is a character strength

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Moral Character B

Apply and demonstrate the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative

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Self-Awareness A2

Identify personal strengths (e.g., honesty, curiosity, listening)

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Social-Awareness A1

Demonstrate the ability to understand what another person is feeling (e.g., happy, sad, disappointed, confused, angry)

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Social-Awareness A2

Demonstrate the ability to care about how others are feeling

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Social-Awareness A3

Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to others.

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Social-Awareness A6

Be able to tell stories and listen to stories told by others

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Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 1

Initiate and engage in conversation and social interactions with classmates, peers, and adults

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Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 7

Play games and appropriately participate in small group classroom activities

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Responsible and Ethical Decision-Making 1

Describe a rule or principle that everyone should strive to live by (e.g., be kind, be honest, try your best)

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LESSON PROCEDURE

Today we will learn about compassion. 

  1. Write compassion on the board. 
  2. Tell students that compassion means that we see when others are hurt or need help and we try to help them. 
  3. Ask students to spell compassion on their worksheets.
  4. Read the book The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams video: Read aloud of The Velveteen Rabbit by Ninety Books (~7 min)
  5. Ask students what we learned from the book about compassion.
  6. Activity: have students sit in a circle and have each student introduce their stuffed animal, its name, and one thing they like about it.
  7. Ask students to complete the questions on their worksheets.
  8. Ask students to read their sentences to a partner.

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EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS

  • Talk with your students about times that you have seen examples of people demonstrating compassion. You could give examples of family, friends, and/or historical or current public figures.
  • Talk with your students about times in your life that you have demonstrated compassion, despite hardships.

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GRADE 1 UNIT 6 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING COMPASSION FROM LITERATURE

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Compassion: I see when others are hurt or need help, and I try to help them. 

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Write the word compassion: 

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_________________________________________________________________________

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ACTIVITY: 

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Write 1 sentence that explains how the book The Velveteen Rabbit showed what compassion means:

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Write 1 sentence that explains a time when you showed compassion:

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Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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