Empathy Chat Discussion Guide

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen Actively: Give your full attention when someone is speaking.
• Speak Respectfully: Use kind words and a calm tone.
• One Voice at a Time: Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
• Be Open-Minded: Different people feel and think in different ways.

Discussion Prompts

1. Feeling Alone
   Think of a time when you felt alone or left out.
   • What would you have liked someone to say or do for you?
   Follow-Ups:
   • How would that action make you feel?
     
   • What words would help you feel included?

2. Sad Friend Scenario
   A friend drops their ice cream and looks very sad at recess.
   • What could you do or say to help them?
   Follow-Ups:
   • Why is it important to notice how others feel?
     
   • How might they feel if you show you care?

3. Upset Sibling
   Imagine your sibling is upset but doesn’t want to talk right now.
   • What could you do to show you care without words?
   Follow-Ups:
   • How could you let them know you’re there?
     
   • When could you check in again?

4. Puzzle Game Reflection
   During our cooperative puzzle game, when did your team show the most empathy?
   • Describe a moment someone helped another teammate.
   Follow-Ups:
   • How did that help the group work better?
     
   • What changed when talking was allowed?

5. Building Friendships
   How can empathy and cooperation help you make stronger friendships?
   Follow-Ups:
   • What’s one thing you’ll try this week to be more empathetic?
     
   • How will you remind yourself to notice others’ feelings?

Closing & Reflection

• Summarize key ideas: noticing feelings, kind responses, teamwork.
• Encourage everyone to practice one empathy action today.
• Remind students: small acts of kindness build big bridges of friendship!

Cooperative Puzzle Challenge Game Guide

Objective

Students will practice nonverbal and verbal cooperation to strengthen empathy, active listening, and teamwork.

Materials

• Cooperative Puzzle Challenge Kit (one set of 20–30 pieces per team of 4–5)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Scoreboard or chart paper and marker (optional)

Setup

1. Split the class into teams of 4–5 students.
2. Give each team one puzzle set from the Cooperative Puzzle Challenge Kit.
3. Assign roles within each team (rotate in future plays):
   • Timekeeper: Monitors the silent and verbal phases.
   • Piece-Finder: Looks for pieces but hands them only (no assembly).
   • Assembler: Puts pieces together.
   • Communicator (for verbal phase): Shares ideas once talking is allowed.

Game Phases

1. Silent Build (7 minutes)
   • Rules: No talking or gestures.
   • Teams must rely on eye contact and nonverbal hints.
   • Goal: Assemble as much of the puzzle as possible in silence.

2. Verbal Build (8 minutes)
   • Rules: Talking allowed; share ideas openly.
   • Encourage active listening and kind feedback.
   • Goal: Finish the puzzle and note any new strategies.

3. Debrief & Reflection (5–7 minutes)
   • Ask each team:
     • What nonverbal cues helped during the silent phase?
     • How did communication improve your teamwork when talking was allowed?
     • Which empathy skills did you use (e.g., patience, noticing others’ needs)?
   • Record key insights on the board.

Reflection Questions for Students

1. How did it feel to work silently?
2. What changed when you could speak?
3. Which strategy helped your team succeed?
4. How will you use these cooperation skills in class or at home?

Extension Ideas

• Rotate roles and replay to see which role is most challenging.
• Have teams design a new silent-communication puzzle challenge for peers.

This game highlights the importance of listening, patience, and supportive actions—core components of empathy and strong friendships.