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Empathy in Action

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Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Reflect on choices and empathize with others

This lesson engages 8th graders in understanding how their choices affect others and how they are perceived. Through experiential and game-based learning, students will explore empathy and perspective-taking. This lesson is crucial for developing social-emotional skills that are essential for healthy relationships and community building.

Audience

8th graders

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, Restorative Practices, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet, Perspective-Taking Reading, Discussion Questions, and Role-Playing Activity Instructions

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
  • Ask students to share examples of when they felt understood by someone else.

Step 2

Reading Activity

5 mins

  • Distribute the 'Perspective-Taking Reading' handout.
  • Have students read individually or in pairs.
  • Encourage them to highlight key points about empathy.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

  • Hand out the 'Empathy Scenarios Worksheet'.
  • Students work individually to reflect on different scenarios and how they would respond empathetically.

Step 4

Role-Playing Activity

10 mins

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Provide each group with a scenario from the worksheet to role-play.
  • Encourage students to act out the scenario and discuss different perspectives.

Step 5

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

  • Use the 'Discussion Questions' to guide a class discussion.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts on how empathy can change interactions and relationships.

Step 6

Closure

5 mins

  • Summarize key takeaways from the lesson.
  • Ask students to reflect on one thing they will do differently in their relationships moving forward.
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Worksheet

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

This worksheet presents various scenarios for students to reflect on and consider how they would respond empathetically.

Imagine a friend is upset because they didn't make the soccer team. How would you show empathy?








Your classmate is struggling with a math problem. What can you do to help them feel supported?








A new student is sitting alone at lunch. How can you make them feel welcome?








Your friend is being pressured to do something they don't want to do. How can you support them?








You notice a classmate is being excluded from a group activity. What can you do to include them?








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Reading

Perspective-Taking Reading

This reading provides insights into the importance of understanding others' perspectives and how it relates to empathy.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It involves seeing things from another person's perspective and recognizing their emotions. By practicing empathy, we can build stronger, more supportive relationships.

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Discussion

Empathy and Relationships Discussion

A guided discussion to help students reflect on the role of empathy in relationships.

How does showing empathy change the way others perceive you?

Encourage students to think about personal experiences and the impact of empathy on their relationships.







Why is it important to consider others' perspectives in a disagreement?

Discuss how understanding different viewpoints can lead to more effective communication and resolution.







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Worksheet

Role-Playing Activity Instructions

Instructions for conducting the role-playing activity, including scenario prompts for students to act out.




Scenario 1: A friend is upset about a low test score. How do you respond?







Scenario 2: A classmate is left out of a group project. What can you do to include them?




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