Role-Play Activity Cards

These activity cards were designed to provide a variety of scenarios that encourage students to explore different perspectives and practice empathy. Below is a guide to using the cards along with several sample scenarios.

How to Use the Cards

1. Prepare for Activity:
   

   • Print out or display the Role-Play Activity Cards.
     
   • Arrange students into small groups, assigning each group one card.

2. Instructions for Students:
   

   • Read the card and discuss the scenario as a group.
     
   • Decide who will play different roles in the scenario.
     
   • Act out the scenario, taking time to understand each character's feelings and perspective.
     
   • After the role-play, discuss in your group what you learned about empathy in that situation.
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Teacher Facilitation:
   

   • Monitor each group to ensure everyone is participating.
     
   • Encourage students to reflect on how they would feel in a similar situation.
   • After the role-plays, bring the class together for a larger discussion using the Discussion Prompt Handouts to deepen understanding.

Sample Scenarios

Scenario 1: The Forgotten Birthday

• Role 1 (The Friend): You realize you forgot your friend's birthday. How do you feel? What led you to forget?
• Role 2 (The Birthday Friend): You feel hurt and disappointed that your friend did not remember your birthday. How might you express your feelings?

Scenario 2: The New Student

• Role 1 (The New Student): You have just joined the class and feel a bit nervous about making new friends.
• Role 2 (A Classmate): You notice the new student is shy. How can you help them feel welcome?

Scenario 3: The Lost Belonging

• Role 1 (The Owner): You lost something important and are feeling upset about it.
• Role 2 (The Finder): You find the item and are unsure if you should return it. How do you resolve this situation empathetically?

Scenario 4: Sibling Dispute

• Role 1 (Older Sibling): You want to play a game, but your younger sibling wants to choose a different one. Express your feelings and try to understand their perspective.
• Role 2 (Younger Sibling): You prefer a different game and feel that your opinion isn’t being considered. How can you communicate your feelings effectively?

Reflection and Debrief

After all the groups have acted out their scenarios, invite students to reflect both individually and as a class:

• What did you learn about understanding someone else's feelings?
• Were there any moments where you changed your perspective?
• How can you apply what you learned in your everyday life?

Using these Role-Play Activity Cards will help nurture empathy in a fun, interactive, and reflective way. Enjoy the activity and remember - every perspective matters!

Discussion Prompt Handouts

After the role-playing activity, use these prompts to guide the class discussion. Encourage each student to share their thoughts and feelings. The questions are meant to deepen the understanding of empathy and to reflect on the experience.

Reflection Questions

1. How did it feel to put yourself in another person’s shoes?
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Think about the emotions you experienced when acting out your role.

2. What did you learn about someone else’s perspective?
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Describe one new idea or point of view you understood from a classmate's performance.

3. What challenges did you face when trying to understand another person's feelings?
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Consider any difficulties you had while trying to communicate or empathize with another character.

4. How can you use what you learned about empathy in your everyday interactions?
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Think of one way to show empathy next time you interact with a friend or family member.

Group Discussion Tips

• Listen Carefully: Allow everyone to share their thoughts without interrupting.
  
  
  
• Be Respectful: Value each person’s perspective, even if it differs from your own.
  
  
  
• Ask Follow-Up Questions: If you’re curious about someone’s experience, ask them to explain more.
  
  
  
• Share Your Own Experience: Help others understand your point of view by explaining how you felt during the role-play.
  
  
  

After discussing these questions, take a moment to reflect as a class on how empathy can strengthen our community and relationships.

Feel free to add any personal insights or additional questions you'd like to explore further. Enjoy the conversation and remember - every perspective matters!