Game: Empathy Relay

Objective:

• Students will practice recognizing emotions in others and sharing empathetic responses.

Materials:

• Emotion-word cards (Happy, Sad, Angry, Scared, Excited, Calm, Proud, Surprised)
• Beanbag or token for each team
• Cones or markers to designate start and finish lines

Setup:

1. Divide class into 4 equal teams.
2. Have each team line up behind a start line.
3. Place a pile of shuffled emotion-word cards at the finish line for each team.
4. Give the first student in each line a beanbag or token.

Rules:

1. On the teacher’s signal (“Go!”), the first student in each team races to their card pile.
2. The student picks one card, reads the emotion aloud, and shares a quick example of a time they saw that emotion in someone else (peer, family member, character in a book, etc.).
3. Once they share, they return to the start line and pass the token to the next teammate.
4. Continue until every team member has run, shared, and returned.
5. Remind students to:
   • Run safely (no pushing or cutting in line).
   • Listen respectfully without interrupting.
   • Share genuine, age-appropriate examples.

Debrief (5 minutes):

• Gather students and ask:
  • Which example did you hear today that showed strong empathy?
  • How did it feel to share or to listen to someone’s story?
  • Why is it important to notice and respond to others’ emotions?

Adaptations:

• For quieter students, allow sharing with a small group before racing back.
• For advanced learners, challenge them to suggest a supportive action they could take in that situation.

Activity: Resilience Role-Play

Objective:

• Students will identify a setback and practice positive coping strategies by planning and performing short skits.

Materials:

• Printed Scenario Cards (see list below)
• Optional props or costume pieces for fun (hats, scarves, small objects)

Setup (2 minutes):

1. Print and cut the scenario cards in advance.
2. Arrange students in pairs and hand each pair one card.
3. Provide a blank sheet for quick planning notes (optional).

Instructions:

1. Plan (2 minutes):
   • Read your scenario.
   • Identify the problem, the setback, and choose one coping strategy (e.g., asking for help, deep breathing, positive self-talk, problem-solving).
   • Sketch a quick outline:
     1. Scene setup (Who? Where?)
     2. The setback moment
     3. The coping response
     4. A positive outcome or lesson learned
2. Perform (10 minutes total):
   • Each pair presents a 1–2 minute skit to the class.
   • Encourage expressive voices and body language.
3. Identify & Applaud (after each skit):
   • Classmates name the coping strategy shown.
   • Applaud the performers.

Scenario Cards:

• You lost an important school game at recess.
• You forgot your homework on your kitchen table.
• You had a disagreement with a close friend.
• Your art project got smudged just before display.
• You received a lower grade than you expected on a test.
• You missed the bus and had to walk to school.
• Your group project partner did not show up.
• You spilled juice on your book and the pages stuck together.

Debrief (5 minutes):

• Which coping strategy felt most helpful? Why?
• How could you use this strategy in a real situation?
• Share one new idea you learned today.

Cool-Down: Reflect & Stretch

Time: 10 minutes
Materials: Reflection & stretch prompt cards, open floor space

1. Gather students in a circle or spaced out around the room. Explain that we’ll combine gentle stretches with quick moments of reflection.

2. Lead each movement slowly (hold ~15–20 seconds) and then read one prompt. Pause for a quiet response or partner whisper. Use “
   
   
   ” after each for student thinking space.

A. Reach for the Sky
• Movement: Stand tall, interlace fingers, reach arms overhead and stretch up.
• Prompt: “Name one way you showed kindness today.”

B. Side Bend (Right)
• Movement: Hands on hips or arms overhead, lean gently to the right side.
• Prompt: “What’s one positive thought you can tell yourself when things get hard?”

C. Side Bend (Left)
• Movement: Lean gently to the left side.
• Prompt: “Recall a moment you noticed someone else’s feelings today.”

D. Shoulder Rolls
• Movement: Roll shoulders backward 5 times, then forward 5 times.
• Prompt: “How did you practice resilience in class today?”

E. Forward Fold
• Movement: Hinge at hips and fold forward, letting arms and head hang loosely.
• Prompt: “Share one thing you learned about empathy this session.”

F. Seated Twist (Optional)
• Movement: Sit cross-legged, place right hand on left knee and twist gently; repeat on opposite side.
• Prompt: “What’s one way you can be kind or strong tomorrow?”

3. End in a comfortable seated or standing position. Take three deep breaths together: inhale (4 counts), hold (2 counts), exhale (6 counts).

4. Close with a brief roundup: invite 2–3 volunteers to share a word that describes how they feel now compared to the start. Finish by saying: “I am capable of kindness and strength.”