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Empathy: A Superpower!

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Lesson Plan

Empathy: A Superpower!

The student will explain what empathy is and why it is important or beneficial in 4 of 5 counseling discussions. The student will identify at least one way he could show empathy in different social situations in 4 of 5 role-play or discussion opportunities.

Understanding empathy is crucial for developing positive social relationships and navigating various social situations effectively. This lesson will help the student with autism connect with others and build stronger connections.

Audience

Individual Counseling Session for a Student with Autism (Middle School)

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through discussion and role-play, the student will learn to define and apply empathy.

Materials

Digital Presentation: Empathy Superpower Slides, Counselor Script: Empathy Superpower Script, and Situation Cards: Empathy Situation Cards

Prep

Preparation Steps

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Empathy?

5 minutes

  • Begin with a warm-up question: "What do you think it means to understand someone else's feelings?" (Refer to Empathy Superpower Script for specific dialogue).
    - Introduce the concept of empathy using the Empathy Superpower Slides.
    - Discuss the definition of empathy and its importance using relatable examples.

Step 2

Why is Empathy Important?

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a discussion on why empathy is beneficial (e.g., making friends, helping others, resolving conflicts).
    - Use the Empathy Superpower Slides to visually reinforce the benefits.
    - Encourage the student to share any personal experiences where understanding someone's feelings made a difference.

Step 3

Empathy in Action: Situation Cards & Role-Play

8 minutes

  • Present various scenarios using the Empathy Situation Cards.
    - For each card, ask the student: "How might someone in this situation be feeling?" and "What could you say or do to show empathy?"
    - Engage in brief role-play for 2-3 situations to practice empathetic responses.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Empathy Recap

2 minutes

  • Briefly recap the definition of empathy and its importance.
    - Ask the student to identify one new thing they learned about empathy.
    - Provide positive reinforcement for participation and understanding.
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Slide Deck

Empathy: A Superpower!

What do you think it means to understand someone else's feelings?

Welcome the student and begin with a warm-up question. This helps activate prior knowledge and gauges their current understanding of feelings.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is when you understand and share the feelings of another person.

Introduce the concept of empathy. Use simple, direct language. The analogy of 'stepping into someone else's shoes' is often helpful.

Empathy in Action

It's like:

  • Stepping into their shoes to see things from their perspective.
  • Feeling with them, not just for them.

Emphasize that empathy is more than just knowing what someone feels; it's also about showing you understand. Provide a simple example.

Why is Empathy Important?

Empathy helps us:

  • Make friends and build strong relationships.
  • Help others when they are sad or struggling.
  • Understand different perspectives.
  • Solve problems and avoid arguments.

Discuss why empathy is important. Relate it to real-life benefits like making friends and helping others.

Your Turn! Empathy Practice

Let's look at some situations.

  • How might someone be feeling?
  • What could you say or do to show empathy?

Transition to practical application with situation cards. Explain that they will practice identifying feelings and thinking of empathetic responses.

Empathy: Your New Superpower!

Remember, empathy is understanding and sharing feelings.

It helps you connect with others!

You have the power to show empathy!

Conclude by summarizing the key takeaways and encouraging the student to look for opportunities to practice empathy. Provide positive reinforcement.

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Empathy: A Superpower! • Lenny Learning