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Empathy Through Literature Circles

Lesson Plan

Empathy Through Literature Circles

Encourage empathy through literature

In this lesson, students will engage in literature circles to discuss characters' emotions and motivations in selected short stories or book excerpts. This activity is designed to encourage empathy by connecting students with diverse perspectives and experiences through literature. By understanding different characters' viewpoints, students will develop a deeper sense of empathy and improve their ability to relate to others.

Audience

Grades 6-8 Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Encourage empathy through literature

Materials

Selected short stories or book excerpts, Discussion Questions, and Worksheet for Literature Circles

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on empathy and its importance in understanding others.
  • Explain the concept of literature circles and how they will be used to explore characters' emotions and motivations.

Step 2

Reading

10 minutes

  • Distribute selected short stories or book excerpts to students.
  • Allow students time to read individually or in pairs, focusing on the characters' emotions and motivations.

Step 3

Literature Circles

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups for literature circles.
  • Provide each group with discussion questions to guide their conversation.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and listen to others' perspectives.

Step 4

Group Discussion

5 minutes

  • Reconvene as a class and invite groups to share key insights from their discussions.
  • Highlight different perspectives and how they contribute to a deeper understanding of empathy.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

  • Summarize the lesson by emphasizing the importance of empathy in literature and real life.
  • Encourage students to apply empathetic thinking in their daily interactions.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions for Empathy

These questions are designed to guide students in discussing characters' emotions and motivations in literature circles.

What emotions do you think the character is experiencing?

Encourage students to use evidence from the text to support their ideas.







Why do you think the character acted in this way?

Discuss possible motivations and how they relate to the character's background.







How would you feel if you were in the character's situation?

Promote personal reflection and connection to the character's experience.







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Worksheet

Worksheet for Literature Circles

This worksheet will help students organize their thoughts and responses during the literature circle discussions.

List three emotions the character is feeling and provide evidence from the text.








Describe a situation in the story where the character's motivation is clear.








Reflect on a time when you felt similar to the character and explain why.








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