Discussion Guides & Lesson Plans - The Sandwich Way

For Teachers & Parents

Whether it’s the first day of school or part of your SEL toolkit, The Sandwich Way helps students open up about routines, feelings, and friendship.
Download our free worksheets, classroom activities, and more designed for pre-K to 2nd grade. (We have more going through grade 5!)

🎒 Great for circle time
✏️ Aligned with Common Core (Missouri standards)
🧠 Encourages self-awareness, empathy, and inclusion

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.

👉 Browse and download now to bring interactive, thought-provoking discussions to your students today!
📢 Share how you use them in your classroom with #DoItTheSandwichWay!

Cover of 'The Sandwich Way' discussion guide

General Discussion Guide

This is a general guide not specific to any age or grade!

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Cover of 'The Sandwich Way' discussion guide for Kindergarten

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.

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Engaging 1st-grade Discussion Guide worksheet from The Sandwich Way—journal prompts and activities helping young learners explore friendships, routines, and hidden talents.

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.

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Printable 2nd-grade Discussion Guide worksheet for The Sandwich Way—comparison activities and discussion questions fostering self-awareness and belonging.

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.

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Creative 3rd-grade worksheet from The Sandwich Way—includes literacy-based questions and a 'Sandwich Self-Portrait' activity to explore identity and diversity.

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.

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Thought-provoking 4th-grade worksheet for The Sandwich Way—guiding students in self-reflection, hidden talents, and meaningful discussions on uniqueness.

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.

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In-depth 5th-grade worksheet from The Sandwich Way—encouraging SEL growth, metaphorical thinking, and discussions on inclusion and personal identity.

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.

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Printable Lesson Plans - 5 Day

Colorful kindergarten worksheet with a 5-day lesson plan focused on feelings, differences, and kindness. Includes activities such as drawing unique sandwiches, emotion matching, and problem-solving games. Features playful sandwich-themed graphics and a QR code for additional resources.

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.

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Colorful 1st grade SEL lesson plan worksheet focused on acceptance and understanding with sandwich-themed illustrations. Includes discussion prompts, storytelling, team-building, and creative writing activities. Features a QR code for additional resources.

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.

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Bright and colorful 2nd grade lesson plan worksheet focused on understanding perspectives through SEL activities. Includes writing exercises, conflict resolution games, and kindness-building tasks. Features playful sandwich-themed illustrations and a QR code for additional resources.

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.

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