Lesson Plan
Peer Perspective Puzzles Plan
Student will recognize different viewpoints in social situations, practice empathetic listening through guided role-play, and complete perspective-matching puzzles independently.
Individual attention helps a 3rd grader build confidence in empathy and communication by exploring feelings and viewpoints at their own pace.
Audience
3rd Grade Student (Individual Session)
Time
25 minutes
Approach
One-on-one role-play and puzzle activities.
Materials
- Peer Perspective Puzzles Slide Deck, - Perspective Puzzle Game Kit, - Whiteboard And Markers, - Timer, and - Notebook And Pencil
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Peer Perspective Puzzles Slide Deck and note key prompts
- Print one set of scenario cards and puzzle sheets from the Perspective Puzzle Game Kit
- Arrange a quiet one-on-one workspace with student seating
- Prepare sentence starters or visuals for additional support
- Have notebook, pencil, whiteboard, and markers ready
Step 1
Introduction and Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Show the slide defining “perspective-taking” from the Peer Perspective Puzzles Slide Deck
- Ask: “Why might people see the same thing differently?”
- Discuss student’s response and jot keywords on the whiteboard
- Explain today’s activities: a role-play with teacher and then a puzzle challenge
Step 2
Guided Role-Play
8 minutes
- Select one scenario card from the Perspective Puzzle Game Kit
- Teacher and student take roles (Narrator & Character A/B)
- Act out the scenario, modeling expressive words and actions
- Pause to ask:
- “How is your character feeling?”
- “What words or actions give you clues?”
- Use sentence starters (e.g., “I feel..., because...”) as needed
Step 3
Perspective Puzzle Challenge
7 minutes
- Give the student Puzzle Sheet #1 from the Perspective Puzzle Game Kit
- Student matches scenarios to empathetic responses independently
- Set a 5-minute timer and encourage thoughtful answers
- Offer hints or scaffold: read each response aloud if needed
Step 4
Debrief & Reflection
5 minutes
- Review the completed puzzle together and discuss any tricky matches
- Ask: “What helped you understand someone else’s feelings?” and note ideas on the whiteboard
- Provide an exit prompt: “Write or draw one new perspective you learned today in your notebook.”
- Collect the notebook page to assess understanding
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Slide Deck
Peer Perspective Puzzles
An interactive lesson for grades 3–5 to practice empathy and communication through role-play and team challenges.
Welcome students and introduce the lesson. Point out the colors and title. Explain that today we’ll explore how people see things differently and solve puzzles as a team.
Learning Objectives
By the end of today, students will:
- Identify different viewpoints in social situations
- Practice empathetic listening through role-play
- Collaborate to solve perspective-based puzzles
Read each objective aloud. Emphasize how each goal connects to kindness and teamwork.
What Is Perspective-Taking?
Perspective-taking is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
Why it matters:
- Builds empathy
- Strengthens communication
- Helps resolve conflicts
Define “perspective-taking.” Use an everyday example (e.g., disagreeing with a friend over a game) to illustrate.
Warm-Up Question
“Why might two people see the same event differently?”
Think–Pair–Share:
- Think silently for 30 seconds.
- Turn to a partner and share your idea.
- We’ll discuss answers together.
Ask the question and wait for 2–3 volunteers. Record key words on chart paper as students share.
Role-Play Instructions
- Form groups of 3–4.
- Assign roles: Narrator, Character A, Character B.
- Act out your scenario, showing how each character feels.
- After acting, discuss:
• How did each character feel?
• What clues (words/actions) helped you understand?
Explain team roles clearly. Remind students of norms: listen respectfully, speak clearly, and support each other.
Sample Role-Play Scenarios
• Two friends arguing over who gets the last soccer ball
• A student left out of a game at recess
• A classmate’s art not chosen for display
(Use visuals or sentence starters as needed)
Display 2–3 example scenarios. Encourage groups to use voice, facial expressions, and body language.
Perspective Puzzle Challenge
- Each team gets a puzzle sheet from the Perspective Puzzle Game Kit.
- Match scenarios to empathetic responses or identify the correct viewpoint.
- You have 10 minutes—solve as many as you can!
- Bonus: Create your own puzzle if you finish early.
Explain the puzzle format and scoring. Circulate to support groups and ask probing questions.
Debrief & Reflection
As a class, discuss:
- What helped you understand someone else’s point of view?
- Which clues (words/actions) were most helpful?
Record your top insights on chart paper.
Guide students to share insights. Write their responses on chart paper under “Top Tips for Understanding Others.”
Exit Ticket
On your ticket, answer:
“Describe one new perspective you learned today and why it matters.”
Write or draw your response. (3–4 minutes)
Collect exit tickets as students leave. Use responses to plan follow-up support.
Game
Perspective Puzzle Game Kit
This kit includes scenario cards for role-play and puzzle sheets for team challenges. Print and cut scenario cards; distribute one per group. Provide each team with the puzzle sheets.
Scenario Cards (6)
-
Soccer Ball Disagreement
Characters: Alex and Jordan
Scenario: Alex and Jordan both reach the last soccer ball and start arguing about who gets it. -
Recess Exclusion
Characters: Mia and Sam
Scenario: Sam is left out when a group of friends picks teams for a game at recess. -
Art Display Disappointment
Characters: Lily and Ben
Scenario: Lily feels sad because Ben’s art was chosen for the hallway display instead of hers. -
Borrowed Book Mix-Up
Characters: Carlos and Emma
Scenario: Emma borrowed Carlos’s favorite book without asking, and Carlos is upset he can’t find it. -
Playground Slide Queue
Characters: Zoe and Noah
Scenario: Zoe cut in line at the slide, and Noah is frustrated he’s been waiting so long. -
Science Project Split
Characters: Priya and Miguel
Scenario: Priya and Miguel can’t agree on how to divide their science fair project tasks.
Puzzle Sheet #1: Match Scenarios to Empathetic Responses
Instructions: For each scenario letter (A–F), write the number (1–6) of the most empathetic response. Each response may be used once.
| Scenario (Letter) | Title | Your Match (#) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Soccer Ball Disagreement | |
| B | Recess Exclusion | |
| C | Art Display Disappointment | |
| D | Borrowed Book Mix-Up | |
| E | Playground Slide Queue | |
| F | Science Project Split |
Responses:
- “I’m sorry you felt left out. Would you like to join our group next time?”
- “I see you worked hard on your art. How did you feel when it wasn’t chosen?”
- “I understand this book means a lot to you. Let’s talk about when you need it back.”
- “I know waiting can be hard. Do you want to take turns on the slide?”
- “It’s tricky to share a ball. How can we make it fair so you both get a turn?”
- “Let’s split the science tasks in a way that uses both our strengths. What do you think?”
Puzzle Sheet #2: Who Said It?
Instructions: Read each statement below. Circle whether Character A or Character B would most likely say it in the scenario.
-
“I wish you asked before using my book.”
A Carlos B Emma -
“I’m upset you didn’t pick me for the game.”
A Sam B Mia -
“I think we should each do half of the model building.”
A Priya B Miguel -
“It made me sad when you chose the slide ahead of me.”
A Noah B Zoe -
“I feel proud my art will hang in the hallway!”
A Ben B Lily
Extension Challenge (Bonus)
If your team finishes early, create one of your own perspective puzzles:
- Write a short scenario for two characters.
- Craft an empathetic response or statement.
- Swap with another team to solve.