Empathy in Action

Joan Rice

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Teach empathy through community service

This lesson introduces 2nd-grade students to the concept of empathy through engaging activities and discussions. Students will participate in a simple community service project and reflect on their experiences, helping them understand the importance of empathy and social responsibility. This lesson is crucial for developing compassion and social awareness at an early age.

Audience

2nd Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Teach empathy through community service

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, Large poster paper, Discussion Guide, and Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Empathy

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students if they can think of a time when they felt empathy for someone else.
Use simple language and examples to explain empathy as understanding and caring about how others feel.

Step 2

Community Service Activity

30 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Assign each group a simple community service task, such as making thank-you cards for school staff or organizing a small classroom cleanup.
Provide materials like post-it notes, markers, and poster paper for the activity.
Encourage students to think about how their actions can make others feel appreciated and happy.

Step 3

Reflective Discussion

15 mins

Gather students back together and distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
Use the Discussion Guide to facilitate a conversation about their experiences during the activity.
Ask students to share how they felt during the activity and what they learned about empathy.

Step 4

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key points discussed about empathy.
Encourage students to practice empathy in their daily lives.
Thank students for their participation and contributions.

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Discussion

Empathy Reflection Discussion

Guide for discussing students' experiences and feelings during the community service activity.

How did you feel while doing the community service activity?

Encourage students to express their emotions and relate them to the concept of empathy.

What did you learn about helping others?

Guide students to understand the impact of their actions on others' feelings.

How can we show empathy in our everyday lives?

Discuss practical ways students can practice empathy at school and home.

Worksheet

Empathy Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on their community service experience and what they learned about empathy.

Draw a picture of what you did during the community service activity.

Think about the people you helped and how it made you feel.

Write one sentence about how you felt during the activity.

Use words like happy, proud, or helpful.

What is one thing you can do to show empathy to someone at school?

Think about small acts of kindness you can do.