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Empathy Through Storytelling

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Lesson Plan

Empathy Through Storytelling

Explore empathy through storytelling

In this lesson, students will explore the concept of empathy by creating and sharing stories from different perspectives. This activity will help students foster deeper connections and understanding with their peers, enhancing their social-emotional skills and promoting a supportive classroom environment. The lesson includes an example story to guide students in their storytelling and additional activities to deepen their understanding of empathy.

Audience

Grades 4-5

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Explore empathy through storytelling

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Discussion Questions, Storytelling Worksheet, Example Story, Role-Playing Scenarios, and Art Supplies

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means.
  • Ask students to share examples of when they have felt empathy or when someone has shown empathy towards them.

Step 2

Example Story

5 minutes

  • Read an example story to the class that illustrates empathy.
  • Discuss the emotions and perspectives of the characters in the story.

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and assign each group a scenario where they must act out a situation requiring empathy.
  • Encourage students to discuss how they felt in their roles and what they learned about empathy.

Step 4

Story Creation

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Storytelling Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to write a short story from the perspective of someone else (e.g., a classmate, a character from a book, etc.).
  • Encourage creativity and remind them to focus on how the character feels and why.

Step 5

Art Activity

10 minutes

  • Provide art supplies and ask students to create a drawing or collage that represents empathy.
  • Allow students to share their artwork and explain how it relates to empathy.

Step 6

Story Sharing

10 minutes

  • Have students pair up and share their stories with each other.
  • Encourage them to discuss the emotions and perspectives presented in their stories.

Step 7

Class Discussion

5 minutes

  • Facilitate a class discussion using the prepared questions.
  • Focus on what students learned about empathy and understanding different perspectives.

Step 8

Closure

5 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect on how this activity might change the way they interact with others.
  • Encourage them to think of ways they can practice empathy in their daily lives.
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Discussion

Empathy Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a class discussion on empathy and understanding different perspectives.

What is empathy and why is it important?

Discuss the definition of empathy and its role in building relationships.







How did writing from another perspective make you feel?

Encourage students to share their experiences and any challenges they faced.







What did you learn about your character's feelings and motivations?

Guide students to reflect on the insights gained from their storytelling.







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Worksheet

Storytelling Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students in writing a story from another person's perspective.

Who is your character? Describe them briefly.

Think about their age, background, and personality.







What situation is your character in?

Describe the setting and context of the story.







How does your character feel and why?

Focus on the emotions and reasons behind them.







What actions does your character take and what are the outcomes?

Consider how the character's feelings influence their actions.







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Reading

Example Story

An example story to illustrate empathy and guide students in their storytelling activity.

Title: A Day in the Life of Max the Cat

Max the Cat lived in a cozy house with his owner, Lily. One day, Lily seemed sad and didn't play with Max as she usually did. Max noticed her frown and decided to cheer her up. He brought her his favorite toy, a little mouse, and placed it on her lap. Lily smiled and petted Max, feeling a little better. Max felt happy knowing he had helped his friend.

Discussion Points:

  • How did Max show empathy towards Lily?
  • What emotions did Max and Lily experience in the story?
  • How did Max's actions affect Lily's feelings?
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Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

Printable cards with scenarios for students to act out, focusing on empathy.




A friend is upset because they lost their favorite toy. How can you show empathy?







A new student is feeling lonely at recess. What can you do to make them feel welcome?







Your sibling is nervous about a big test. How can you support them?




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lenny