Apologizing

GRADES K-2

Learning Goal

Students will learn the value and form of an apology.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lessons, students will be able to:

  • Identify the benefits of apologizing
  • Identify when an apology is ill-timed, inauthentic, or incomplete
  • Use suggested steps for making an effective apology

Learning Summary

Children can struggle to apologize, especially if they’ve never been taught how to do it. This lesson teaches students to 1) calm down, 2) say you’re sorry and why what you did hurt, and 3) ask how to fix the problem. (If you have established classroom or school apology steps, use those instead.)

The lesson begins with a mindfulness practice in which students learn to breathe in and out while tracing their hand with a finger. You then lead a brief discussion why apologizing is important, followed by a Munchy and Jumpy story that hinges on the benefit of apologizing—both to the giver and receiver of the apology. Then the
lesson pivots to discussing how to apologize effectively. Students then draw a picture of themselves giving an apology to a friend.

computer icon    Online Teaching Tips for Apologizing

As always, use the Munchy and Jumpy story as the lead for this lesson. 

Following the story, teach the steps of apologizing through the lesson plan, encouraging students to participate in the conversation of what makes an effective apology and ask for students to volunteer to turn their videos on and practice with a classmate. 

Following the story, teach the steps of apologizing through the lesson plan. Then, have students complete the additional activity of creating a sign or poster for their house or bedroom with the apology steps.


Lesson Plan

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Additional Resources

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CASEL Competencies

Social awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

Relationship skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.