Empathy in Action

Kylie Taniguchi

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action Lesson Plan

Students will develop empathy, active listening, and cooperative skills by analyzing real-life scenarios, collaborating on a group poster, and reflecting on their experiences.

Cultivating empathy helps students understand peers’ perspectives, strengthens communication, and creates a supportive classroom community where all feel heard and valued.

Audience

5th Grade Small Group

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Collaborative scenario analysis, poster creation, and reflection to practice empathy.

Materials

Empathy Scenario Cards, - Empathy Reflection Worksheet, - Large Sheets of Paper, - Colored Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Prepare Scenario Cards and Materials

10 minutes

Print and cut out the Empathy Scenario Cards.
Make copies of the Empathy Reflection Worksheet for each student.
Arrange large sheets of paper and markers on a central table.
Test the timer or stopwatch and set it to display minutes and seconds clearly.
Review the scenarios and worksheet prompts to anticipate student questions.

Step 1

Warm-Up and Introduction

5 minutes

Gather students in a circle and establish a calm, respectful atmosphere.
Introduce the concepts of empathy, active listening, and cooperation.
Ask: “What does empathy look like in everyday life?” and record responses on chart paper.
Set group norms: one speaker at a time, attentive ears, and kind feedback.

Step 2

Scenario Exploration

10 minutes

Distribute one Empathy Scenario Card to each student.
Students take turns reading their scenario aloud.
After each reading, group members discuss:
- How might the person feel?
- What could you say or do to show support?
Use the timer to spend about 2 minutes per scenario.

Step 3

Group Poster Creation

10 minutes

Divide students into two teams.
Each team selects one scenario they found most challenging.
On a large sheet of paper, teams illustrate the scenario and list three empathetic responses using colored markers.
Encourage clear visuals and cooperative planning—each member contributes.

Step 4

Reflection and Wrap-Up

5 minutes

Distribute the Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
Students individually answer prompts:
- Which response felt most helpful?
- How will you use empathy this week?
Invite volunteers to share one insight with the group.
Reinforce today’s norms and praise collaborative efforts.

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Slide Deck

Empathy in Action

Building Empathy, Active Listening, and Cooperation

Let’s learn how to understand others’ feelings and work together as a team!

Welcome students! Today we’re going to explore empathy and teamwork. Introduce yourself, briefly explain the lesson’s purpose, and build excitement for the activities ahead.

Lesson Objectives & Group Norms

Objectives:
• Develop empathy by seeing others’ perspectives
• Practice active listening skills
• Collaborate to create solutions

Group Norms:

One speaker at a time
Attentive ears
Kind and supportive feedback

Review the lesson objective and set norms: remind students to listen with respect, speak one at a time, and offer kind feedback. Use a calm, positive tone.

Scenario Exploration

Distribute one Empathy Scenario Card per student.
Students take turns reading their scenario aloud.
After each reading, discuss:
• How might this person feel?
• What could you say or do to show support?

(Spend about 2 minutes per scenario.)

Hand out one Empathy Scenario Card per student. Guide each student to read aloud and ask classmates to share how the person might feel and what supportive responses they could offer.

Group Poster Creation

Split into two teams.
Each team selects one challenging scenario.
On a large sheet of paper, illustrate the scenario.
List three empathetic responses using colored markers.

Aim for clear drawings and teamwork!

Divide the class into two teams. Encourage each team to pick the scenario they found most challenging and to brainstorm empathetic responses. Circulate to prompt ideas and ensure collaboration.

Reflection & Wrap-Up

Complete the Reflection Worksheet:
• Which response felt most helpful?
• How will you use empathy this week?
Share one insight with the group.
Celebrate our teamwork and close with positive feedback.

Distribute the Empathy Reflection Worksheet. Allow a few minutes for quiet writing, then invite volunteers to share. Conclude by reinforcing norms and praising everyone’s effort.

Activity

Empathy Scenario Cards

Use these eight scenario cards to spark discussion and practice empathetic responses. Distribute one card per student during the Scenario Exploration phase.

1. Lunch Alone
Your friend Alex sits by themself at lunch because their usual group is absent. How might Alex feel?

2. Stage Fright
Mia feels nervous about presenting a book report today. Some classmates are giggling as she approaches the front of the room. How might Mia feel?

3. Left Out of the Game
Jordan wanted to play kickball at recess but wasn’t picked when teams were chosen. How might Jordan feel?

4. New and Shy
Sam is new to your class and hasn’t said a word all morning. How might Sam feel?

5. Forgotten Homework
Taylor forgot to do their homework last night and is worried about what the teacher will say. How might Taylor feel?

6. Overlooked Ideas
Riley’s project partner keeps making all the decisions and doesn’t ask for anyone else’s ideas. How might Riley feel?

7. Teased for Gym Clothes
Casey shows up in gym class without the right uniform and hears some teasing from classmates. How might Casey feel?

8. Excited but Ignored
Devin can’t wait to share an exciting story from the weekend, but the group keeps talking about something else. How might Devin feel?

Use each card to discuss:
• What emotions is this person experiencing?
• What could you say or do to show understanding and support?

These cards will guide your group through identifying feelings and brainstorming empathetic responses together.

Worksheet

Empathy Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________

Think back to the discussions you had with the Empathy Scenario Cards and your group poster. Use complete sentences to answer the prompts below.

Reflecting on the scenarios you explored, which empathetic response felt most helpful during your group discussion? Why?
How will you practice empathy this week at school or at home? Describe a specific action you will take and explain how it shows understanding and support.
What did you learn today about active listening and cooperation? How might this help you in future social situations?

Great job reflecting on your empathy skills! Keep practicing kindness and understanding every day.