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Empathy in Action

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Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Understand and practice empathy

In this lesson, students will learn about empathy and practice understanding others' feelings through role-playing activities. This lesson is important because it helps students develop social-emotional skills, enhancing their ability to build positive relationships and understand diverse perspectives.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand and practice empathy

Materials

Role-Playing Scenarios Worksheet, and Reflection Discussion Guide

Step 1

Introduction to Empathy

10 mins

Begin by explaining what empathy is: the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Discuss why empathy is important in daily life.

  • Ask students if they have ever felt happy when a friend was happy or sad when someone else was sad.
  • Provide examples of empathetic behaviors.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activities

25 mins

Hand out the Role-Playing Scenarios Worksheet.

  • Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a scenario from the worksheet.
  • Allow them to read the scenario and discuss how they might feel if they were in that situation.
  • Have each group act out their scenario in front of the class.
  • Encourage classmates to share their thoughts and feelings about each scenario after it's performed.

Step 3

Reflection Discussion

10 mins

Use the Reflection Discussion Guide to facilitate a class discussion on what they learned.

  • Ask open-ended questions to prompt students to think about how they can apply empathy in their own lives.
  • Encourage students to share any new insights or understanding they gained from the role-playing exercises.
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Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios Worksheet

This worksheet provides various scenarios for students to role-play, helping them practice empathy and understand different perspectives.

Scenario 1: A new student joins your class, but they don't speak much English. How would you feel in their shoes? How can you make them feel welcome?

Consider the challenges of being in a new place and not understanding the language.







Scenario 2: Your friend is upset because they lost a favorite toy. How would you feel if you were them? What can you do to comfort them?

Think about a time when you lost something important to you.







Scenario 3: A classmate is being teased during recess. How do you think they feel? What can you do to help?

Recall a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly and how it made you feel.







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Discussion

Reflection Discussion Guide

This guide helps facilitate a discussion on empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and insights from the lesson.

What did you learn about empathy today?

Encourage students to share specific instances from the role-playing activities.







How can practicing empathy help you in your daily life?

Lead students to think about how empathy can improve their relationships and interactions.







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

Prompt students to share personal stories and reflect on the impact of empathy.







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