Lesson Plan
Empathy in Friendships
Students will be able to define empathy and identify empathetic responses in various friendship scenarios. They will practice expressing empathy through role-playing and group discussions.
Understanding empathy is crucial for building strong, supportive, and lasting friendships. It helps students navigate social situations, resolve conflicts, and show kindness and consideration towards others, making them better friends and classmates.
Audience
3rd-6th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, video clip, storybook reading, role-playing, and guided practice.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Empathy in Friendships Slide Deck, Computer/Speakers, Video: 'Sesame Street: Mark Ruffalo and Murray Talk About Empathy' (3 min), Book: 'Stand in My Shoes' by Bob Sornson, Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards, Empathy Worksheet, Empathy Game Cards, Friendship Empathy Project Guide, and Empathy Quiz
Prep
Review Materials and Set Up
15 minutes
- Review the Empathy in Friendships Lesson Plan and all linked materials: Empathy in Friendships Slide Deck, Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards, Empathy Worksheet, Empathy Game Cards, Friendship Empathy Project Guide, and Empathy Quiz.
- Ensure access to a Smartboard/projector, computer, and speakers.
- Obtain a copy of 'Stand in My Shoes' by Bob Sornson.
- Print and cut out the Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards and Empathy Game Cards.
- Make copies of the Empathy Worksheet and Empathy Quiz for each student.
- Prepare a space for group discussion and role-playing.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What is a Good Friend?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: 'What qualities make someone a good friend?' Write their ideas on the board.
- Guide the discussion to include ideas like 'caring,' 'listening,' and 'understanding feelings.' (Transition to empathy).
Step 2
Introducing Empathy
10 minutes
- Use the Empathy in Friendships Slide Deck to introduce the concept of empathy.
- Show the video: 'Sesame Street: Mark Ruffalo and Murray Talk About Empathy' (3 min).
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts: 'What did Mark and Murray learn about empathy? Why is it important?'
- Read aloud the book: 'Stand in My Shoes' by Bob Sornson. Discuss key moments where characters show or lack empathy.
Step 3
Activity: Feelings Scenarios
15 minutes
- Introduce the Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards. Explain that students will work in small groups to act out responses.
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Distribute a few Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and then role-play how they would respond empathetically. Encourage them to think about what the person in the scenario might be feeling.
- After role-playing, have each group share one scenario and their empathetic response with the class. Discuss different empathetic responses for each scenario.
Step 4
Worksheet: Empathy in Action
10 minutes
- Distribute the Empathy Worksheet.
- Explain that students will reflect on empathy in their own friendships.
- Instruct students to complete the worksheet independently. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.
Step 5
Cool-Down: Empathy Share-Out
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together for a quick share-out.
- Ask students: 'What is one way you can show empathy to a friend this week?'
- Collect the Empathy Worksheet.
Slide Deck
Good Friends Understand Feelings!
What makes a good friend?
Discuss with a partner or small group.
Think about a time a friend truly understood you.
- How did that make you feel?
- What did they do or say?
Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: Empathy in Friendships. Ask students to think about what makes a good friend.
What is Empathy?
Empathy is putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
It means:
- Understanding how others feel.
- Imagining what it's like to be them.
- Showing you care about their feelings.
Introduce the word 'empathy.' Explain that it's about understanding how someone else feels, even if you haven't experienced the exact same thing. Give simple examples.
Video: Sesame Street: Mark Ruffalo and Murray Talk About Empathy
Transition to the video. Explain that Mark and Murray will help them understand empathy better. After the video, lead a short discussion.
Story Time: Stand in My Shoes
'Stand in My Shoes' by Bob Sornson
- What happened in the story?
- How did characters show empathy?
- How did they NOT show empathy?
Introduce the book 'Stand in My Shoes.' Explain that the story shows different ways people understand or don't understand others' feelings. After reading, discuss specific examples from the book.
Activity: Feelings Scenarios
Let's practice empathy!
- Work in small groups.
- Take a Feelings Scenarios Activity Card.
- Read the story together.
- Role-play: How would you respond with empathy?
Explain the 'Feelings Scenarios' activity. Break students into groups and distribute the Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards. Emphasize that they will be acting out empathetic responses.
Your Turn: Empathy Worksheet
Time to reflect!
- Complete the Empathy Worksheet individually.
- Think about your own friendships.
- How can you show empathy every day?
Introduce the worksheet. Explain that this is a time for individual reflection on what they've learned and how they can apply it.
Cool Down: Empathy in Action
One thing I can do this week to show empathy to a friend is...
Share your idea with the class!
For the cool-down, ask students to share one way they plan to show empathy. Collect worksheets. Conclude by reinforcing the importance of empathy in friendships.
Activity
Feelings Scenarios Activity Cards
Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario. Discuss how the person might be feeling. Then, role-play how you would respond with empathy.
Scenario 1: Lost the Game
Your friend just lost a really important soccer game. They are sitting by themselves, looking down and seem very upset. You know how much this game meant to them.
How might your friend be feeling?
How would you show empathy?
Scenario 2: Sitting Alone
It's lunchtime, and you notice a new student sitting alone at a table. They are quietly eating and not talking to anyone. You remember what it felt like to be new.
How might the new student be feeling?
How would you show empathy?
Scenario 3: Broken Toy
Your younger sibling accidentally broke your friend's favorite toy during a playdate at your house. Your friend looks like they are about to cry and is very angry at your sibling.
How might your friend be feeling?
How would you show empathy?
Scenario 4: Exciting News
Your friend just found out they got the lead role in the school play, something they've been dreaming about for a long time! They come up to you, beaming with excitement.
How might your friend be feeling?
How would you show empathy?
Worksheet
Empathy Worksheet: Putting Yourself in Their Shoes
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Instructions: Read each situation below. In the space provided, write down how you think the person might be feeling and then explain how you could show them empathy.
Situation 1:
Your friend studied very hard for a big test, but they didn't get the grade they were hoping for. They look sad and are quieter than usual.
1. How do you think your friend might be feeling? (Check all that apply)
- Disappointed
- Angry
- Frustrated
- Embarrassed
- Hopeful
2. What could you say or do to show your friend empathy?
Situation 2:
A classmate dropped all their books and papers in the hallway, and some of their artwork got a little crinkled. They look flustered and are trying to pick everything up quickly.
1. How do you think your classmate might be feeling? (Check all that apply)
- Annoyed
- Calm
- Embarrassed
- Overwhelmed
- Happy
2. What could you say or do to show your classmate empathy?
Situation 3:
Your friend has been practicing a new skill for weeks, and they finally mastered it! They are excited to tell you about their success.
1. How do you think your friend might be feeling? (Check all that apply)
- Proud
- Anxious
- Joyful
- Accomplished
- Bored
2. What could you say or do to show your friend empathy?
Reflect and Share:
Think about a time someone showed you empathy. How did it make you feel?
Game
Empathy Game: Match the Feeling!
Instructions:
- Cut out all the cards below. You will have two types of cards: Scenario Cards and Empathetic Response Cards.
- Mix up all the cards and lay them face down in a grid.
- Players take turns flipping over two cards. If they flip a Scenario Card and an Empathetic Response Card that match, they keep the pair.
- The player with the most matching pairs at the end wins!
Scenario Cards (Cut these out!)
Card 1
Your friend is really upset because their pet hamster ran away from home.
Card 2
Another student accidentally knocked over your friend's lunch tray, making a big mess.
Card 3
Your friend has been practicing a difficult song on their instrument and finally played it perfectly!
Card 4
Your younger sibling is crying because they can't reach the toy they want on a high shelf.
Card 5
Your friend is nervous about giving a presentation in front of the class tomorrow.
Card 6
Someone made a mean comment to your friend on the playground, and your friend looks hurt.
Empathetic Response Cards (Cut these out!)
Card A
"Oh no, that sounds really tough. I'm so sorry about your hamster. Is there anything I can do to help you look for it?"
Card B
"Are you okay? Don't worry, accidents happen. Let me help you pick everything up."
Card C
"Wow, that's amazing! I know how hard you worked on that. I'm so proud of you!"
Card D
"It looks like you really want that toy. It's frustrating when you can't reach something, isn't it? Let me help you get it."
Card E
"It's totally normal to feel nervous before a presentation. You've practiced so much, and I know you'll do great. I'll be cheering you on!"
Card F
"That wasn't a nice thing to say. Are you okay? I'm here if you want to talk about it or if you just want to hang out."
Project Guide
Friendship Empathy Project Guide
Goal: To demonstrate your understanding of empathy by creating a project that encourages empathetic behavior in friendships.
Instructions: Choose ONE of the following project options to complete. You will present your project to the class.
Option 1: Empathy Storybook
Create a short storybook (with pictures!) about a character who learns to show empathy to a friend. Your story should include:
- A problem where one character needs empathy.
- How another character shows empathy (their words and actions).
- The positive outcome of showing empathy.
Option 2: Empathy Skit
Work with 1-2 classmates to write and perform a short skit (3-5 minutes) that shows a situation where empathy is needed and how it can be demonstrated. Your skit should include:
- A clear scenario involving a friendship challenge.
- Characters who express feelings.
- At least one character demonstrating empathetic words and actions.
- A resolution that highlights the power of empathy.
Option 3: "Be An Empathy Hero" Poster Campaign
Design a series of 3-5 posters that promote empathy in school friendships. Each poster should:
- Have a catchy slogan about empathy.
- Include an illustration or graphic.
- Offer a clear, actionable tip on how to be an "Empathy Hero" to a friend.
Rubric for Project (Self-Assessment)
| Criteria | Beginning (1 point) | Developing (2 points) | Accomplished (3 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empathy Concept | Shows limited understanding of empathy. | Shows some understanding of empathy. | Clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of empathy. |
| Words & Actions | Empathetic words/actions are unclear or not present. | Some empathetic words/actions are shown. | Clear and appropriate empathetic words/actions are shown. |
| Creativity | Project is basic and lacks creativity. | Project shows some creativity. | Project is highly creative and engaging. |
| Presentation | Presentation is difficult to follow. | Presentation is somewhat clear, but could be improved. | Presentation is clear, engaging, and well-organized. |
| Effort/Completion | Little effort shown; project is incomplete. | Adequate effort shown; project is mostly complete. | Significant effort shown; project is complete and polished. |
Due Date: _________________________
Presentation Date: _________________________
Total Points: ______ / 15
Quiz
Empathy Quiz
Game
Empathy Game: Match the Feeling!
Instructions:
- Cut out all the cards below. You will have two types of cards: Scenario Cards and Empathetic Response Cards.
- Mix up all the cards and lay them face down in a grid.
- Players take turns flipping over two cards. If they flip a Scenario Card and an Empathetic Response Card that match, they keep the pair.
- The player with the most matching pairs at the end wins!
Scenario Cards (Cut these out!)
Card 1
Your friend is really upset because their pet hamster ran away from home.
Card 2
Another student accidentally knocked over your friend's lunch tray, making a big mess.
Card 3
Your friend has been practicing a difficult song on their instrument and finally played it perfectly!
Card 4
Your younger sibling is crying because they can't reach the toy they want on a high shelf.
Card 5
Your friend is nervous about giving a presentation in front of the class tomorrow.
Card 6
Someone made a mean comment to your friend on the playground, and your friend looks hurt.
Empathetic Response Cards (Cut these out!)
Card A