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Empathy Explorers

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Lesson Plan

Empathy Explorers

Understanding and practicing empathy

In this lesson, students will explore empathy through simplified storytelling and role-playing activities, supported by visual aids. They will learn to recognize and respect different emotions and perspectives, enhancing their social interactions. This lesson is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.

Audience

5th to 7th Grade Students with Lower Functioning Autism

Time

30 mins

Approach

Understanding and practicing empathy

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Empathy Role-Playing Scenarios, Empathy Discussion Questions, and Visual Aids for Empathy

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means using visual aids.
  • Show pictures or symbols that represent empathy and emotions.

Step 2

Storytelling Activity

5 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a short story that highlights empathy, accompanied by visual aids.
  • Ask groups to identify moments of empathy using the visuals.

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

  • Distribute role-playing scenarios to each group with visual supports.
  • Instruct students to act out their scenarios, focusing on expressing and recognizing emotions with the help of visuals.
  • Encourage students to discuss how they felt during the role-play.

Step 4

Group Discussion

5 mins

  • Reconvene as a class and discuss the role-playing activity using visual aids.
  • Use the Empathy Discussion Questions to guide the conversation, supported by visuals.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson using visual aids.
  • Ask students to reflect on how they can apply empathy in their daily lives with the help of visuals.
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Discussion

Empathy Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a class discussion on empathy after the role-playing activity, supported by visual aids.

What did you learn about empathy from the role-playing activity?

Encourage students to share specific examples from the activity, using visual aids.







How did it feel to put yourself in someone else's shoes?

Discuss the emotional impact of role-playing and understanding others' perspectives, supported by visuals.







Why is empathy important in our daily interactions?

Highlight the role of empathy in building relationships and resolving conflicts, using visual aids.







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Worksheet

Empathy Role-Playing Scenarios

Printable cards with different scenarios for students to role-play, focusing on empathy, supported by visual aids.




A friend is upset because they lost their favorite toy. How do you respond?







A new student is feeling left out during lunch. What can you do to help?







Someone in your group is struggling with a project. How can you support them?







A classmate is being teased for their appearance. How do you stand up for them?




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Worksheet

Visual Aids for Empathy

Printable visual aids to support understanding of empathy and emotions during the lesson, including empathy symbols.




Images of different emotions (happy, sad, angry, etc.)







Symbols representing empathy (e.g., heart, handshake, helping hand, group of people together)







Visual step-by-step instructions for activities







Pictures illustrating scenarios from role-playing cards




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