Lesson Plan
Bias Busters: Building Empathy
Help 7th graders recognize, reflect on, and challenge biases through discussion and activities that develop empathy and promote inclusive behaviors.
Addressing bias early helps students build social-emotional skills and fosters a respectful, inclusive classroom environment.
Audience
Middle School Students (7th Grade)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and role-play to explore personal bias.
Materials
Bias Busters: Building Empathy Lesson Plan, Empathy Reflection Worksheet, and Role-Play Scenario Cards
Prep
Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Bias Busters: Building Empathy Lesson Plan for detailed instructions.
- Prepare copies of the Empathy Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Arrange Role-Play Scenario Cards in a container for random selection during the activity.
- Familiarize yourself with potential discussion prompts about bias and empathy.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Start with a brief discussion asking students what they think bias means.
- Share examples of simple biases and invite students to reflect on times they may have encountered or observed bias.
- Set ground rules for respectful listening and sharing.
Step 2
Main Activity: Role-Play & Reflection
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups and distribute Role-Play Scenario Cards.
- Instruct groups to perform the scenario, focusing on recognizing bias and exploring solutions empathetically.
- After each role-play, have students fill out the Empathy Reflection Worksheet, noting feelings and thoughts about the interaction.
- Rotate roles within groups to ensure everyone participates.
Step 3
Cool-Down & Group Reflection
10 minutes
- Bring the class together and ask volunteers to share their reflections from the worksheet.
- Facilitate a discussion on how recognizing bias can lead to more compassionate behaviors and better community.
- Summarize key points and reinforce the importance of empathy and inclusivity in daily interactions.
- Conclude with a reminder that everyone has a role in creating a respectful environment.
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Slide Deck
Bias Busters: Building Empathy
Welcome! Today we'll explore bias, share our experiences, and learn how empathy can help us build a kinder classroom.
Welcome the students and introduce the session. Emphasize that this session is about exploring how we think and act when facing bias, and using empathy to improve our community.
What is Bias?
Let's discuss: What do you think bias means?
- Share examples
- Listen respectfully
Kick off the discussion by asking: What does bias mean? Provide simple examples. Establish discussion ground rules for a respectful conversation.
Role-Play Activity
Instructions:
- Get into small groups
- Draw a Role-Play Scenario Card
- Act out the scenario focusing on bias and empathy
- Remember to fill out your Empathy Reflection Worksheet after the activity
Explain the activity. Students will be grouped to perform role-play scenarios. Encourage them to focus on identifying bias and then using empathy to suggest solutions.
Reflection Time
Reflection:
- Complete your Empathy Reflection Worksheet
- Note your feelings and thoughts about the role-play
- Prepare to share your insights with the class
After the role-play, have a short reflection. Remind students that recording their feelings helps them understand their responses.
Group Reflection & Wrap-Up
Discussion Points:
- How does recognizing bias help us act with empathy?
- What strategies can we use to improve our community?
Thank you for participating!
Wrap up by summarizing the key points: recognizing bias, the importance of empathy, and the role each of us plays in creating a respectful, inclusive community. Ask a few volunteers to share what they learned.
Worksheet
Empathy Reflection Worksheet
In this worksheet, you'll reflect on your role-play experience. Think about the scenario you acted out and consider how bias appeared and how empathy helped address it.
1. Reflect on the Role-Play
Describe the scenario your group performed. What bias did you observe?
2. Your Feelings
How did the scenario make you feel during the role-play? Write about your emotional response.
3. Identifying Empathy
Explain how empathy was shown in the scenario. What actions demonstrated understanding or kindness?
4. Personal Reflection
How can you apply what you learned from this activity to help create a more inclusive classroom?
5. Final Thoughts
Summarize your overall experience. What is one thing you will remember from today’s activity?
Activity
Role-Play Scenario Cards
These cards are designed to provide students with scenarios that depict various instances of bias. Each card includes a brief description of the scenario and prompts for students to explore solutions using empathy.
Guidelines for Use:
- Random Selection: Place the cards in a container and allow each group to randomly draw one card.
- Scenario Description: Read the scenario as a group. Discuss the type of bias portrayed and brainstorm how empathy can be used to address it.
- Roles: Assign roles within the group for the role-play activity. Encourage each student to participate, either as a character in the scenario or as an observer who notes observations.
- Discussion Points: Consider discussing the following:
- What specific bias is evident in the scenario?
- How does this bias affect the characters involved?
- What actions could be taken to alleviate the bias and promote empathy?
After the role-play, use the provided Empathy Reflection Worksheet to record thoughts and feelings about the experience.
Example Card Scenario:
Scenario: A student is consistently left out during group projects because peers assume they are less capable.
Prompts:
- What assumptions might be driving this exclusion?
- How could the group work together to include everyone and demonstrate empathy towards each team member?
Feel free to add more scenario cards over time to include diverse examples of bias and opportunities for empathetic problem-solving.