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Empathy Explorers

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Ja'Mela Smith

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Empathy Explorers

To teach empathy

In this lesson, kindergarten students will explore the concept of empathy through a combination of discussion, video, and a hands-on activity. By understanding and practicing empathy, students will learn to recognize and respect the feelings of others, fostering a more inclusive and caring classroom environment. This lesson is important as it helps young learners develop essential social-emotional skills that contribute to positive interactions and relationships.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Blended Learning, Project-Based Learning

Materials

Discussion Questions, Video: Social Emotional Learning For Kids: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me, and Empathy Activity Materials (e.g., paper, crayons)

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Gather students in a circle on the carpet.
  • Briefly introduce the concept of empathy: "Empathy is when we try to understand how someone else is feeling."
  • Explain that today they will learn about empathy through a story, a video, and a fun activity.

Step 2

Discussion

5 mins

  • Use the Discussion Questions to guide a conversation about feelings and empathy.
  • Encourage students to share times when they felt happy, sad, or needed a friend.

Step 3

Video Viewing

10 mins

  • Show the video Social Emotional Learning For Kids: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me.
  • Pause at key moments to ask questions like, "How do you think Benji is feeling?" and "What could you do to help a friend like Benji?"

Step 4

Empathy Activity

7 mins

  • Provide each student with paper and crayons.
  • Ask them to draw a picture of a time they helped a friend or when a friend helped them.
  • Encourage them to think about how they felt and how their friend might have felt.

Step 5

Closure

3 mins

  • Gather students back in a circle.
  • Invite a few students to share their drawings and stories.
  • Reinforce the importance of empathy and how it helps us be good friends.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on empathy and feelings with kindergarten students.

What does it mean to be a good friend?

Encourage students to think about actions like sharing, listening, and helping.







Can you think of a time when you felt sad? What helped you feel better?

Guide students to express their feelings and recognize supportive actions from others.







How can we show someone we care about their feelings?

Discuss actions like giving a hug, saying kind words, or simply listening.







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