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Empathy Through Storytelling

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Lesson Plan

Empathy Through Storytelling Lesson Plan

Students will create puppet characters and stories that communicate empathy, enhancing their emotional intelligence and collaborative skills.

This lesson enables students to understand and express empathy, nurturing kindness and social awareness through creative storytelling and puppetry.

Audience

Third Grade Elementary Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Hands-on creation and storytelling with puppets.

Materials

Empathy Through Storytelling Lesson Plan, Puppet Craft Supplies, and Storyboard Slide Deck

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Begin with a discussion about empathy and what it means to understand others.
  • Ask guiding questions such as 'How do you feel when someone shows you kindness?' to spark conversation.

Step 2

Puppet Creation

20 minutes

  • Distribute puppet craft supplies to students.
  • Instruct students to design and create a puppet that represents either themselves or a character that embodies empathy.
  • Encourage creativity in using colors and materials, reflecting on the emotions their puppets can convey.

Step 3

Storytelling Activity

15 minutes

  • Have students use the Storyboard Slide Deck to map out a short story featuring their puppets.
  • Guide them through structuring their narrative with a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on an act of empathy.

Step 4

Sharing and Reflection

15 minutes

  • Allow students to share their puppet stories with the class or in small groups.
  • Facilitate a group discussion reflecting on the feelings experienced during the storytelling and the importance of empathy in everyday life.
  • Conclude by summarizing key lessons on understanding and compassion.
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Project Guide

Puppet Craft Supplies

This resource provides a detailed list of supplies needed for the puppet creation activity. It ensures that teachers have everything needed to facilitate the lesson smoothly. This guide will include suggestions for materials that encourage creativity and expression in students.

Supplies List

  • Paper: Construction paper or cardstock for making puppet parts
  • Fabric: Assorted fabrics (felt, cotton) for dressing up the puppets
  • Glue: White glue or fabric glue
  • Googly Eyes: Various sizes for adding personality to the puppets
  • Markers/Crayons: For drawing faces and details
  • Scissors: Child-safe scissors for cutting paper and fabric
  • Craft Sticks: For creating handles or armature for the puppets
  • Additional Decorations: Such as stickers, buttons, and ribbons to add more character




Ensure that all materials are non-toxic and suitable for use by third grade students. Prepare an extra set of supplies to account for any shortages or mistakes during the crafting process.







Remember to set up the crafting area in advance and consider the safety guidelines for using scissors and glue. This will help create a positive and productive environment for your students.

Materials used in this project include the Empathy Through Storytelling Lesson Plan and the Storyboard Slide Deck to support the overall narrative structure of the activity.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Our Storytelling Adventure!

Today, we'll create puppet stories that show empathy. Let's learn what empathy means and how we can show it in our stories!

This slide deck will guide students through the storytelling process. Use it to prompt discussion and reflection on empathy and to help students structure their narratives with visual aids and direct questions.

Meet Your Puppet!

Create a puppet character that represents empathy. Think about: What makes your puppet kind? How does your puppet show compassion?

Introduce the characters and discuss their feelings. Ask: 'How do you think your puppet feels?' and 'What other puppet might feel this way?'

Build Your Story

Plan your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Consider a small act of kindness as the heart of your story.

Structure the story in three parts. Encourage students to think about a beginning, a challenging middle, and a heartfelt resolution.

Share Your Story

Let's share our puppet stories with one another. Listen closely and think about the empathy shown in each story.

Encourage sharing and discussion after each story. Prepare follow-up questions like: 'How did your character help someone?' and 'Why is empathy important?'

Reflect and Celebrate

Think about the empathy in your story. How did it make you feel? How did it help your characters grow?

Great job, storytellers!

Wrap up the session by summarizing key points about empathy and celebrating everyone's creativity. Use this closing slide as a reflective moment.

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