Empathy in Action

Dianna Wyllie

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Develop empathy through perspective-taking

This lesson focuses on developing empathy by understanding others' perspectives. Students will participate in activities that highlight the importance of empathy in conflict resolution. This lesson is important as it helps students build essential social-emotional skills, fostering a positive self-image and responsible citizenship.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Develop empathy through perspective-taking

Materials

Brené Brown on Empathy video, Discussion Questions, Empathy Scenarios Worksheet, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Begin by explaining the importance of empathy in building strong relationships and resolving conflicts.
Introduce the video by Brené Brown on empathy.
Watch the video (2 mins 53 secs).

Step 2

Group Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the provided questions to explore the key points from the video.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and personal experiences related to empathy.

Step 3

Empathy Scenarios Activity

25 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide each group with an empathy scenario from the worksheet.
Instruct each group to discuss their scenario and come up with empathetic responses and solutions.
Have each group present their scenario and responses to the class.

Step 4

Reflection and Sharing

15 mins

Ask students to reflect on what they learned about empathy and how they can apply it in their daily lives.
Encourage students to share their reflections with the class.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson.
Emphasize the importance of practicing empathy in everyday interactions.
Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to continue developing their empathy skills.

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Discussion

Empathy Discussion

A discussion to explore the key points from the Brené Brown video on empathy and relate them to students' personal experiences.

What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

Discuss how empathy involves feeling with people and creating a connection, while sympathy often drives disconnection.

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

Encourage students to share personal experiences and reflect on the impact of empathy.

Why is it important to avoid judgment when practicing empathy?

Highlight the importance of accepting others' perspectives as their truth and staying out of judgment.

How can we practice empathy in our daily interactions?

Discuss practical ways to show empathy, such as active listening, acknowledging others' feelings, and offering support.

Worksheet

Empathy Scenarios Worksheet

A worksheet with scenarios designed to help students practice empathy by coming up with empathetic responses and solutions.

Scenario 1: Your friend is upset because they didn't make the soccer team. How can you show empathy?

Think about how you can acknowledge their feelings and offer support without trying to fix the situation.

Scenario 2: A classmate is feeling left out because they weren't invited to a party. How can you respond empathetically?

Consider how you can validate their feelings and make them feel included.

Scenario 3: Your sibling is frustrated with their homework and feels like giving up. How can you show empathy?

Reflect on how you can understand their frustration and offer encouragement.

Scenario 4: A new student at school seems lonely and hasn't made any friends yet. How can you practice empathy in this situation?

Think about ways to reach out and make the new student feel welcome.