Mindful Storytelling: Empathy and Perspective

Consepsion Martinez

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Mindful Storytelling Lesson Plan

Guide students to practice mindfulness and empathy through storytelling that adopts diverse perspectives while enhancing emotional awareness and community connection.

This lesson deepens students’ understanding of others' feelings and experiences, fostering empathy, social skills, and a compassionate classroom environment.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive storytelling, mindfulness, and reflective discussion.

Materials

Mindful Storytelling Slide Deck, and Mindful Storytelling Activity Sheet

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Mindful Storytelling Slide Deck for key points on empathy and perspective-taking.
Familiarize yourself with the mindfulness exercises and reflection prompts listed in the activity sheet.
Prepare the classroom space for group discussion and role-play exercises.

Step 1

Introduction & Mindfulness Exercise

10 minutes

Begin with a brief mindfulness session to center students and encourage present-moment awareness.
Introduce the lesson objectives and explain the importance of empathy and perspective-taking.

Step 2

Storytelling and Role-Play Activity

25 minutes

Divide students into small groups and hand out the Mindful Storytelling Activity Sheet.
Assign each group a storytelling prompt that requires adopting a perspective different from their own.
Allow groups time to craft and rehearse short role-play scenarios based on the prompts.

Step 3

Reflection & Discussion

10 minutes

Facilitate a class discussion where each group shares their story and role-play experience.
Ask reflection questions such as: How did it feel to tell a story from a different perspective? What did you learn about empathy?
Summarize key takeaways and encourage students to reflect on these insights in their daily interactions.

Slide Deck

Mindful Storytelling: Empathy and Perspective

Welcome! Today we explore empathy through the art of storytelling and role-play.

Introduce the lesson with an engaging overview. Highlight the importance of empathy and mindfulness in storytelling. Explain that today's session focuses on stepping into another person's shoes.

Mindfulness Exercise

Let's center ourselves with a brief mindfulness practice. (Guide students through deep breathing and mindful awareness.)

Begin with a mindfulness exercise. Encourage students to close their eyes and take deep breaths. This slide guides them to focus on the present moment and clear their minds before diving into storytelling.

Storytelling & Role-Play Activity

Work in small groups. Use the prompts on the Activity Sheet to craft and rehearse your short role-play.

Focus on adopting a unique perspective.

Outline instructions for the storytelling portion. Explain that students will work in groups to adopt a perspective different from their own using provided storytelling prompts.

Reflection & Discussion

Let's discuss:

How did it feel to adopt a different perspective?
What did you discover about empathy?

Share your experience with the class.

Prepare students for reflective discussion. Remind them that sharing their feelings and what they learned is valuable.

Key Takeaways

Today we learned:
• The importance of mindfulness in understanding others.
• How perspective-taking enhances empathy.
• The value of sharing our diverse experiences.

Summarize the key takeaways of the lesson and encourage students to reflect on how empathy can influence daily interactions.

Activity

Mindful Storytelling Activity Sheet

Welcome to the Mindful Storytelling Activity! Today, you'll have the chance to step into someone else's shoes and explore a new perspective through creative storytelling and role-play.

Instructions

Form Groups: Work in small groups as assigned by your teacher.
Choose a Prompt: Each group will receive a storytelling prompt. Read the prompt carefully and discuss what unique perspective you can adopt.
Plan Your Story: Collaborate to create a short story or role-play scenario. Think about the emotions and experiences of the perspective you are adopting.
Practice: Rehearse your role-play, ensuring every group member has a part.
Reflect: After your performance, take time to jot down your thoughts and feelings on this experience.

Storytelling Prompts

Example Prompts (your teacher may provide other prompts):

A Day in the Life: Imagine you're someone with a vastly different daily routine (e.g., a busy parent, a community helper, or a local artist). Describe a day in your life from their perspective.
In Another's Shoes: Think of a character facing a challenge, such as moving to a new city or dealing with a personal setback. How do they overcome it?
Unexpected Encounters: Create a story where your character meets someone unexpected and learns something new about themselves and others.

Guided Questions for Reflection

After your role-play, discuss and write about the following:

How did it feel to adopt this new perspective?
What challenges did you face in understanding and conveying the emotions of your character?
What insights did you gain about empathy and connecting with others?
How might this experience influence the way you interact with people in your daily life?

Keep this sheet to review your thoughts later on. Have fun, be creative, and remember to listen to each other as you share your unique perspectives.