Lesson Plan
Empathy Lesson Plan
Students will practice empathy through role-playing scenarios to enhance their ability to understand and share others’ feelings by the end of the session.
Empathy is crucial for strong peer relationships and social–emotional growth. This lesson encourages students to recognize and respond to classmates’ emotions, fostering compassion and cooperation.
Audience
Grades 3–5
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive role-play followed by guided reflection.
Materials
- Empathy in Action Slide Deck, - Empathy Role-Play Cards, - Empathy Reflection Worksheet, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Timer
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut the Empathy Role-Play Cards.
- Print copies of the Empathy Reflection Worksheet (one per student).
- Load the Empathy in Action Slide Deck on the classroom projector.
- Arrange desks into small group clusters of 4–5 students.
- Review each scenario card and reflection prompt to familiarize yourself.
Step 1
Warm-Up Discussion
5 minutes
- Display Slide 1 of the Empathy in Action Slide Deck defining empathy.
- Ask students: "What does empathy mean?" and record responses on chart paper.
- Invite a few examples of times they felt understood by someone else.
- Highlight key words: understand, share, feelings.
Step 2
Teacher Demonstration
5 minutes
- Select a volunteer and pick one Empathy Role-Play Cards scenario.
- Model the scenario: one plays Person A, the other Person B.
- After the short role-play, ask the class to identify how each person felt and what empathy looked like in the exchange.
Step 3
Student Role-Playing
20 minutes
- Divide students into groups of 4–5.
- Distribute one Empathy Role-Play Cards to each group.
- In each group, students take turns acting out the scenario while peers observe and note empathetic behaviors.
- Rotate roles so every student practices both expressing and responding with empathy.
- Use the timer to allow 4–5 minutes per scenario.
Step 4
Individual Reflection
10 minutes
- Hand out the Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
- Students complete prompts: "How did it feel to show empathy?" "What did you learn about someone else’s feelings?"
- Encourage honest, specific responses.
- Circulate and support students who need help articulating their thoughts.
Step 5
Closing and Assessment
5 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight from their worksheet.
- Summarize the key steps of empathetic listening and responding.
- Assess understanding by checking that students can name at least two ways to show empathy in daily interactions.
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Slide Deck
Empathy In Action
Practicing understanding and sharing others’ feelings
Grades 3–5
45-Minute Lesson
Welcome students! Introduce the lesson: today we’ll learn how to understand and share others’ feelings—an important skill for making friends and helping each other.
What Is Empathy?
Empathy means:
- Noticing how someone feels
- Imagining what they’re going through
- Responding with kindness and support
Ask students: “What does empathy mean?” Note their ideas on chart paper. Use examples from your own experience to illustrate.
Demo Scenario
Sarah sees Jake sitting alone at lunch looking sad.
• Person A: Sarah—approaches and asks, “Are you okay?”
• Person B: Jake—shares why he feels sad
Use this scenario during the teacher demonstration. Invite a volunteer to play Person A and Person B.
Role-Play Roles
Person A: Express how you feel or what you need.
Person B: Listen and respond with empathy.
Observers: Notice and note kind, caring behaviors
Explain each role. Observers will watch for empathetic words and actions.
Group Role-Playing Activity
- Form groups of 4–5 students.
- Pick one Empathy Role-Play Card per group.
- Take turns acting out roles while others observe.
- Rotate until everyone has practiced both roles
(Time: 4–5 minutes per scenario)
Give clear instructions and set the timer. Circulate to support groups.
Reflection Prompts
On your Empathy Reflection Worksheet, answer:
- How did it feel to show empathy?
- What did you learn about someone else’s feelings?
- How will you use empathy tomorrow?
Distribute the reflection worksheet now. Encourage students to write thoughtfully.
Key Takeaways
- Listen with your heart.
- Ask caring questions.
- Show kindness in words and actions.
- Practice empathy every day!
Invite a few volunteers to share insights. Emphasize the key steps and encourage daily practice.
Activity
Empathy Role-Play Cards
Below are eight scenario cards. In each, one student (Person A) expresses a feeling or problem and another (Person B) listens and responds with empathy. Distribute one card per group.
1. Alone at Lunch
Person A (Jamie): You’re sitting alone at lunch and feeling sad because you have no one to sit with.
Person B (Friend): Notice Jamie’s sadness, ask how they’re feeling, and invite them to join you.
2. Disappointed Grade
Person A (Alex): You just got a lower grade than you expected on a test and feel disappointed.
Person B (Classmate): Ask about what happened, acknowledge Alex’s feelings, and offer encouragement or study tips.
3. Missing Pet
Person A (Riley): You can’t stop thinking about your pet at home and feel worried.
Person B (Peer): Listen carefully, validate Riley’s concern, and share a comforting idea or memory of your own pet.
4. Playground Argument
Person A (Taylor): You and a friend had an argument over who goes first on the swings, and now you feel upset.
Person B (Friend): Hear Taylor out, say you understand why they’re upset, and suggest taking turns fairly.
5. Forgot Lunch
Person A (Jordan): You realize you forgot your lunch at home and feel embarrassed and hungry.
Person B (Classmate): Offer to share part of your lunch, express understanding, and help Jordan find a solution.
6. Left Out of Group Work
Person A (Casey): During a group project, you felt ignored when partners didn’t ask your ideas.
Person B (Group Member): Apologize for not listening, ask Casey’s thoughts now, and include their ideas in the project.
7. Hurt on the Playground
Person A (Morgan): You fell on the playground and scraped your knee, feeling scared and in pain.
Person B (Helper): Show concern, ask where it hurts, get the teacher or help Morgan clean the scrape and reassure them.
8. Lost Toy
Person A (Sam): You lost your favorite toy at school and feel upset because it’s special to you.
Person B (Friend): Listen to Sam describe why the toy matters, help look for it or suggest comforting ideas, and offer emotional support.
Use these cards to practice noticing feelings, asking caring questions, and responding with kindness.
Worksheet
Empathy Reflection Worksheet
Name: __________________________ Date: _______________
Instructions: Think back to the role-playing activity and answer the questions below. Write as much as you’d like in the space provided.
1. How did it feel to show empathy?
2. What did you learn about someone else’s feelings during the role-play?
3. How will you use empathy tomorrow at school or at home?
4. Draw or write another example of how you can show empathy to a friend or classmate.
Thank you for reflecting thoughtfully on how you notice and share others’ feelings!