Lesson Plan
Empathy in Motion Lesson Plan
Students will learn to recognize and share feelings through engaging physical activities, fostering empathy and teamwork.
These activities promote understanding of others' emotions, enhancing social connections and compassionate behavior among peers.
Audience
Grades 3-5
Time
45-60 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activities paired with reflection.
Materials
Empathy in Motion Lesson Plan, Space for movement, and Printed activity instructions
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Empathy in Motion Lesson Plan for detailed activity descriptions.
- Arrange the space to allow free movement and safe physical activity.
- Gather printed copies of activity instructions for student reference.
- Prepare any additional props required for games (e.g., soft balls, cones).
Step 1
Warm-Up and Introduction
10 minutes
- Begin with a simple warm-up movement game to energize students.
- Introduce the concept of empathy by asking students how they think others might feel in different scenarios.
- Explain that today's activities are designed to practice putting themselves in others' shoes.
Step 2
Empathy-Based Physical Activity
25 minutes
- Divide students into small groups or pairs.
- Guide them through a series of movement challenges where they must rely on cues from their partners (e.g., mirror movements, trust walks).
- Encourage students to communicate with one another about their feelings and observations during the activity.
Step 3
Reflection and Discussion
10 minutes
- Gather students in a circle for a group discussion.
- Ask guiding questions about how they felt during the activities and what they learned about empathy.
- Summarize key learning points and reinforce the value of understanding and caring for others.
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Slide Deck
Empathy in Motion
Physical Activities that Foster Understanding
Grades 3-5
Introduce the lesson, set expectations, and connect the activities to the practice of empathy.
Warm-Up & Introduction
• Begin with a movement game to energize everyone.
• Ask: How do you think others feel in different situations?
• Explain: Today, we learn to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.
Use this slide to highlight the warm-up and discussion of empathy. Encourage students to share their experiences.
Empathy-Based Activity
• Form small groups or pairs.
• Engage in movement challenges (e.g., mirror movements, trust walks).
• Rely on partner cues and communicate feelings.
Walk through the empathy-based physical activity. Remind teachers to observe and support group interactions.
Reflection & Discussion
• Gather in a circle.
• What did you feel during the activities?
• What did you learn about empathy and teamwork?
Facilitate a group reflection discussion. Use this time to connect the activity to the concept of empathy.
Activity
Empathy Movement Activities
This activity guide provides detailed instructions for physical activities designed to foster empathy. It includes setup, rules, and reflection prompts so that students can engage meaningfully with the exercises. This activity is designed for Grades 3-5 and supports the lessons outlined in the Empathy in Motion Lesson Plan and slides in the Empathy in Motion Slides.
Activity Overview
Objective:
- To encourage students to understand and care for the feelings of their peers while engaging in fun, interactive physical exercises.
Materials Needed:
- A spacious area for movement
- Printed instructions for each game
- Additional props (e.g., soft balls, cones) as required for specific activities
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Activity Instructions
1. Mirror Movements
Setup:
- Divide students into pairs. One student will be the leader and the other will be the mirror.
Rules:
- The leader will perform a series of slow, simple movements.
- The mirror must imitate the leader's actions exactly, paying close attention to details and timing.
Reflection Prompts:
- How did it feel to lead, and how did it feel to follow?
- What strategies did you use to ensure you copied your partner accurately?
2. Trust Walks
Setup:
- Organize students into pairs. One student is blindfolded while the other acts as a guide.
- Make sure the path is safe and free from obstacles.
Rules:
- The guide verbally instructs the blindfolded student to navigate from one point to another.
- Both partners should communicate clearly; the role of the guide is to be supportive and clear.
Reflection Prompts:
- How did you feel while being guided or guiding someone?
- What actions helped build trust between you and your partner?
3. Group Collaborative Challenge
Setup:
- Form small groups of 4-5 students.
- Assign a simple task that requires teamwork—such as forming a specific shape with their bodies or completing a movement pattern together.
Rules:
- Encourage each group member to participate and suggest ideas.
- Every student should have a chance to lead or suggest a movement.
Reflection Prompts:
- What did you learn about communicating as a team?
- How did it feel to work closely with others to achieve a common goal?
Wrap-Up Discussion
After completing the activities, gather all students in a circle. Use the following questions to guide the discussion:
- Which activity did you enjoy the most, and why?
- What did you learn about your own role in a team?
- In what ways can understanding your partner's feelings help you in everyday situations?
Encourage students to share their personal insights. Summarize key points and reinforce that empathy is a skill that can be practiced and improved through daily interactions.
Remember to refer to both the Empathy in Motion Lesson Plan and Empathy in Motion Slides for further guidance on facilitating these activities. Enjoy fostering empathy through movement and teamwork!