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Empathy Builders

Lesson Plan

Building Bridges of Understanding

Students will be able to identify and describe different perspectives in various scenarios, demonstrating an understanding of empathy and its role in fostering a positive school climate.

Understanding others' perspectives is vital for a harmonious school environment. This lesson will equip students with the skills to relate to their peers, resolve conflicts constructively, and build stronger, more inclusive relationships, making school a better place for everyone.

Audience

7th Grade Group

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios, small group discussions, and reflective activities.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper for brainstorming, Markers or pens, Stepping Into Their Shoes, If I Were You Scenario Cards, and Perspective Puzzle

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Empathy?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What does 'empathy' mean to you? How is it different from sympathy?"
  • Facilitate a brief group discussion to gather initial thoughts and definitions.
  • Use the Stepping Into Their Shoes slide deck to present a clear definition and examples of empathy. (Slides 1-2)

Step 2

Scenario Exploration: "If I Were You"

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
  • Distribute one set of If I Were You Scenario Cards to each group.
  • Instruct each group to choose 2-3 scenario cards to discuss.
  • For each chosen card, students should discuss the following:
    • "What is happening in this scenario?"
    • "How might each person involved be feeling?"
    • "What might be their perspective or reason for their actions?"
    • "How would you respond empathetically in this situation?"
  • Circulate among groups, listening to discussions and offering guidance or probing questions as needed.

Step 3

Activity: Perspective Puzzle

15 minutes

  • Bring the groups back together for a brief share-out of one or two key insights from their scenario discussions.
  • Distribute the Perspective Puzzle worksheet to each student.
  • Explain that students will individually complete the worksheet, putting themselves in the shoes of different characters or situations.
  • Emphasize that there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, but rather thoughtful reflections on different perspectives.

Step 4

Wrap-Up: Empathy in Action

15 minutes

  • Facilitate a whole-group discussion based on the Perspective Puzzle worksheet.
  • Ask questions like: "Was it easy or hard to imagine different perspectives? Why?" "How can practicing empathy help our school community?"
  • Reinforce the importance of empathy in daily interactions and its impact on school climate.
  • Conclude by encouraging students to actively look for opportunities to practice empathy throughout their day.
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Slide Deck

What is Empathy?

Think & Share:

  • What does "empathy" mean to you?
  • How is it different from "sympathy"?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of empathy. Start by asking them what empathy means to them and how it might be different from sympathy. Encourage a brief class discussion.

Empathy: Understanding & Sharing Feelings

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

It's like putting yourself in someone else's shoes to see the world from their perspective.

Examples:

  • Your friend is sad because their pet is sick, and you understand why they feel that way because you'd be sad too.
  • Someone is struggling with a difficult task, and you remember a time you struggled, so you offer to help without being asked.

Present the definition of empathy clearly. Provide examples that are relatable to 7th graders, ensuring they grasp the core concept of understanding and sharing feelings.

Scenario Cards: If I Were You

Now, let's practice!

In your small groups, you will discuss real-life scenarios.

For each scenario, consider:

  • What's happening?
  • How might everyone feel?
  • What are their perspectives?
  • How would you respond empathetically?

Introduce the scenario card activity. Explain that they will be working in small groups to discuss different situations and practice putting themselves in others' shoes.

Perspective Puzzle

Time to reflect individually!

We'll be completing a worksheet called the "Perspective Puzzle."

This is your chance to really think about different viewpoints. There are no right or wrong answers, just your thoughtful insights.

Explain the

Empathy in Action: Building Bridges

Empathy helps us build stronger relationships and a more supportive school.

Every day, you have a chance to practice empathy!

How will you use your empathy skills today to make a difference?

Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the importance of empathy in their daily lives and within the school community. Encourage them to actively seek opportunities to practice empathy.

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Discussion

If I Were You Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your small groups, choose 2-3 of the following scenario cards to discuss. For each card, consider the questions below. Be ready to share your insights with the class.

Discussion Questions for Each Card:

  • What is happening in this scenario?
  • How might each person involved be feeling?
  • What might be their perspective or reason for their actions?
  • How would you respond empathetically in this situation?

Scenario Card 1: The Group Project

Your group has a big project due tomorrow. One member, Maya, hasn't contributed much, and you've had to pick up her slack. You're feeling frustrated and a bit angry. You see Maya looking down, drawing in her notebook during class.












Scenario Card 2: The Lunch Table Exclusion

You see a new student, David, sitting alone at a lunch table. He's quietly eating his lunch and looking at his phone. Your friends are at your usual table, laughing and having a good time, but you notice David looks a little sad.












Scenario Card 3: The Broken Promise

Your best friend, Sam, promised to go to the park with you after school, but then texted you an hour before saying they couldn't make it because something

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