Empathy in Action

Brandi Madden

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Enhance social-emotional learning

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of empathy through role-playing and group discussions. The goal is to help students understand and apply empathy in everyday situations, enhancing their social-emotional learning and building a supportive community. This lesson is important as it fosters emotional intelligence and encourages students to be more understanding and supportive of their peers.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Enhance social-emotional learning

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Role-playing scenario cards, Discussion questions, and Empathy worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students to share one example of when they have shown or received empathy.
Explain the importance of empathy in building a supportive community.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Distribute role-playing scenario cards to each group.
Instruct students to act out their scenarios, focusing on demonstrating empathy.
Encourage creativity and quick discussions within groups.

Step 3

Group Discussion

10 mins

Reconvene as a class and discuss the role-playing activity.
Use one or two prepared discussion questions to guide the conversation.
Encourage students to reflect on how empathy was shown in each scenario.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to practice empathy in their daily interactions.
Thank students for their participation and insights.
Distribute the empathy worksheet as an optional take-home activity.

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenario Cards

These cards contain different scenarios for students to role-play, focusing on demonstrating empathy.

A new student is feeling left out during lunch.

A classmate is upset after receiving a low grade.

A friend is being teased by others.

Someone is struggling with a difficult homework assignment.

A peer is feeling anxious about an upcoming test.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions will guide the group discussion after the role-playing activity, helping students reflect on empathy.

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

Encourage students to share specific examples from their scenarios.

How can showing empathy improve our classroom environment?

Discuss the impact of empathy on relationships and community.

Can you think of a time when someone showed empathy towards you? How did it make you feel?

Allow students to share personal experiences and feelings.

Worksheet

Empathy Worksheet

This worksheet helps students reflect on their understanding of empathy and how they can apply it in their lives.

Define empathy in your own words.

Think about how empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

List three ways you can show empathy to your classmates.

Consider actions that demonstrate understanding and support.

Reflect on a time you showed empathy. What was the situation and how did it make you feel?

Think about a specific instance where you helped someone by being empathetic.