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Empathy in Action

Lesson Plan

Empathy in Action

Understanding and practicing empathy

This lesson encourages students to understand and practice empathy by engaging in role-playing scenarios and reflective discussions. By putting themselves in others' shoes, students will experience different perspectives and build a more supportive classroom community. This lesson is important as it fosters emotional intelligence and helps create a caring and inclusive environment.

Audience

Students in Grades 3-8

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Understanding and practicing empathy

Materials

Role-playing scenario cards, Discussion questions, and Reflection worksheet

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 when someone has shown empathy to them.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute role-playing scenario cards.
  • Instruct each group to act out their scenario, focusing on understanding the feelings and perspectives of the characters involved.
  • Encourage students to think about how they would feel in the same situation.

Step 3

Reflective Discussion

10 minutes

  • Gather students back together and facilitate a discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the scenarios they acted out.
  • Discuss how empathy can be applied in their daily lives.

Step 4

Closure

5 minutes

  • Distribute the reflection worksheet and ask students to complete it individually.
  • Encourage students to think about one way they can practice empathy in the coming week.
  • Conclude with a reminder of the importance of empathy in building a supportive community.
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Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenario Cards

These cards contain different scenarios for students to role-play, helping them practice empathy by understanding various perspectives.




A new student is feeling left out during recess.







A classmate is upset because they lost their favorite toy.







Someone is being teased for wearing glasses.







A friend is sad because they didn't get invited to a party.




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Discussion

Empathy Discussion Questions

These questions guide a reflective discussion on the role-playing activity, helping students articulate their understanding of empathy.

How did it feel to put yourself in someone else's shoes?

Encourage students to express their emotions and thoughts during the role-play.







What did you learn about empathy from the scenarios?

Guide students to identify key takeaways about understanding others' feelings.







How can we show empathy in our classroom?

Discuss practical ways to demonstrate empathy in everyday interactions.







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Worksheet

Empathy Reflection Worksheet

This worksheet allows students to reflect on their learning and consider how they can apply empathy in their lives.

Describe a time when you showed empathy to someone. What did you do?








Think of a situation where you could have been more empathetic. What would you do differently next time?








List one way you plan to practice empathy this week.








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