Design a Kindness App | SEL Project Based Themed Unit Grades 3-5
Let your students create the social media they wish existed.
This engaging, project-based unit turns your classroom into a collaborative design studio where empathy meets innovation and kindness becomes the blueprint. In Design My Kindness App, upper elementary students take on the role of digital creators, imagining a better kind of social platform, one where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.
⚠️ Note: This unit is not about coding or building a real app.
Instead, students explore the human side of digital spaces: how online words affect real feelings, why community guidelines matter, and what it means to be a kind, responsible member of an online world.
Through reflection, design, teamwork, and creative presentation, students will gain a deeper understanding of digital empathy, communication, and the power of designing tech for good.
What’s Included in This 5-Lesson SEL Unit:
✔️ 5 Connected, Ready-to-Use SEL Lessons
– Step-by-step teacher instructions
– Project builds across each lesson for momentum and depth✔️ Intro Video to Launch the Unit
– Captivates students with real-world connections
– Sets the tone for digital citizenship and design thinking✔️ Printable Planning Tools & Worksheets
– App design templates, group roles, reflection pages, and more✔️ Presentation Prep + Reflection Activities
– Includes student-friendly organizer and discussion materials✔️ Built-In Modifications & Creative Extensions
– Supports diverse learners with flexible formats and thoughtful scaffolds✔️ Parent Letter for Home Connection
– Explains learning goals and invites families to extend kindness conversations
Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
– Design a digital platform that encourages kindness and emotional safety
– Practice teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking
– Develop and explain features, community guidelines, and safety tools
– Reflect on what it means to be a kind and responsible digital citizen
– Present their ideas and inspire classroom conversations around safer online spaces
Perfect For:
✔️ SEL blocks or morning meetings
✔️ Digital citizenship & media literacy
✔️ Project-based learning weeks
✔️ End-of-year, back-to-school, or enrichment time
This isn’t about coding an app, it’s about rethinking what online communities should feel like. Because when students realize their voice has power online, they start using it to make things better for everyone.
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