Empathy Explorers

Jill Everett

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy Explorers

Empathy

This lesson aims to teach second graders about empathy through storytelling and role-playing activities. By understanding and sharing feelings, students will develop a deeper sense of connection and compassion for others. This lesson is important as it helps build a supportive classroom environment and enhances students' social-emotional skills, which are crucial for their overall development.

Audience

Second Graders

Time

30 mins

Approach

Trauma-Informed Teaching

Materials

Storybook: 'The Invisible Boy' by Trudy Ludwig, Printable Emotion Cards, and Discussion Questions Attachment

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by explaining the concept of empathy: understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Ask students if they have ever felt happy, sad, or scared and how they knew what they were feeling.

Step 2

Storytime

10 mins

Read 'The Invisible Boy' by Trudy Ludwig to the class.
Pause at key moments to ask students how they think the characters are feeling and why.

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

Use Printable Emotion Cards to assign different emotions to students.
Have students act out scenarios where they express their assigned emotion and others guess what it is.
Discuss how recognizing emotions can help us be more empathetic.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Recap the importance of empathy and how it helps us connect with others.
Encourage students to practice empathy by being kind and understanding towards their classmates.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions on Empathy

A set of questions to guide a discussion on empathy after the storytime activity.

How did the invisible boy feel when he was left out?

Encourage students to think about times they felt left out and how they can include others.

What can we do to make someone feel included?

Discuss actions like inviting others to play or talking to someone who is alone.

Why is it important to understand how others feel?

Highlight the importance of empathy in building friendships and a supportive community.