Empathy in Action

Ariana Dekeon

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Social Emotional Learning

This lesson focuses on developing empathy among 4th-grade students through active learning strategies. Students will engage in activities that help them understand and express empathy, an essential social-emotional skill. By participating in this lesson, students will enhance their ability to connect with others, recognize emotions, and respond compassionately, which are crucial for building positive relationships and a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Active Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Empathy Scenarios, Activity Instructions: Empathy Role-Play, and Exit Ticket: Empathy Reflection

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
Ask students to share examples of when they have shown empathy or seen it in action.

Step 2

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

10 minutes

Distribute the 'Empathy Scenarios' worksheet.
Have students read through different scenarios and write down how they would feel and what they would do in each situation.
Encourage students to think about the emotions of others involved in the scenarios.

Step 3

Empathy Role-Play Activity

10 minutes

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with a scenario from the worksheet to role-play.
Allow students to act out the scenario, focusing on expressing empathy.
After each role-play, discuss as a class how empathy was shown and how it could be improved.

Step 4

Closure and Exit Ticket

5 minutes

Conclude with a class discussion on the importance of empathy in everyday life.
Distribute the 'Empathy Reflection' exit ticket for students to complete.
Collect exit tickets to assess students' understanding and reflections on empathy.

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Worksheet

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

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

Scenario 1: Your friend is upset because they lost their favorite toy. How do you think they feel? What can you do to help?

Scenario 2: A new student is sitting alone at lunch. How might they be feeling? What could you do to make them feel welcome?

Scenario 3: Your classmate is struggling with a math problem. How do you think they feel? How can you offer support?

Discussion

Empathy Role-Play Activity

Students will role-play scenarios to practice expressing empathy and understanding others' emotions.

How did you feel while acting out the scenario?

Encourage students to reflect on their emotions and the emotions of others during the role-play.

What actions did you take to show empathy?

Discuss specific actions and words used to express empathy in the role-play.

How can we apply empathy in real-life situations?

Guide students to think about everyday opportunities to practice empathy.

Quiz

Empathy Reflection Exit Ticket