Discussion Guides & Lesson Plans - The Sandwich Way
Engage Young Minds with The Sandwich Way Discussion Guides & Lesson Plans!
Unlock the full potential of The Sandwich Way with expertly designed discussion guides and lesson plans for elementary classrooms! These Common Core-aligned resources help educators foster social-emotional learning (SEL), diversity awareness, and inclusion through engaging activities and meaningful discussions.
Perfect for teachers, librarians, and homeschool educators, these flexible guides encourage critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork, making them ideal for back-to-school, classroom read-alouds, and character-building lessons.
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General Discussion Guide
This is a general guide not specific to any age or grade!

Kindergarten Discussion Guide
Introduce young learners to daily routines and emotions through engaging discussions and interactive activities. Students connect with PB, Geli, and Nutelia by comparing morning habits, identifying feelings, and searching for hidden peanuts to celebrate uniqueness.

First Grade Discussion Guide
Explore similarities and differences in a fun, hands-on way! This guide helps students understand diversity through sorting games, self-portraits as sandwiches, and uncovering hidden talents—just like the secret peanuts in the book.

Second Grade Discussion Guide
Foster a sense of identity and belonging by connecting students’ personal experiences with the characters. Activities include writing “Just Like Me” sentences, a hidden peanut discovery discussion, and creating a classroom community sandwich.

Third Grade Discussion Guide
Encourage understanding and respect through thoughtful comparisons and creative writing. Students reflect on how differences bring us together with Venn diagrams, hidden talent sharing, and personal letters to PB, Geli, or Nutelia.

Forth Grade Discussion Guide
Dive deeper into diversity and inclusion with writing exercises and peer activities. Students explore their unique qualities with a “Unique Ingredient” prompt, a peanut-themed clue game, and a collaborative class pledge.

Fifth Grade Discussion Guide
Promote perspective-taking and community-building with engaging discussions and real-world connections. Students reflect on hidden talents, research sandwiches from different cultures, and interview school staff to compare routines.
Printable Lesson Plans - 5 Day

Kindergarten 5 - Day Lesson Plan
Introduce young learners to the power of self-awareness and empathy with this Kindergarten SEL lesson plan, inspired by The Sandwich Way! This 5-day curriculum helps children explore feelings, differences, and kindness through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies. From drawing their own unique sandwiches to role-playing acts of kindness, this lesson plan fosters emotional recognition, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making. A take-home activity encourages family involvement, reinforcing these essential life skills beyond the classroom.

First Grade 5 Day Lesson Plan
Encourage acceptance, understanding, and empathy in 1st graders with this5-day SEL lesson plan inspired byThe Sandwich Way! Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students explore celebrating differences, teamwork, expressing emotions, and sharing personal stories. Lessons include a Venn diagram activity, storytelling for empathy-building, and a team-building game where students construct a sandwich from paper parts. A family interview take-home activity strengthens connections by discussing diversity at home.

Second Grade 5 Day Lesson Plan
Help 2nd graders develop perspective-taking, inclusivity, and positive communication with this engaging 5-day SEL lesson plan inspired byThe Sandwich Way! Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities, students will explore how perspectives shape understanding, manage conflicts, and reflect on what makes them unique. Activities include writing from a sandwich character’s point of view, conflict resolution exercises, and a kindness chain to encourage social awareness and empathy. A take-home reflection invites families to explore different viewpoints together, extending the learning beyond the classroom.