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Perspective Puzzle

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Lesson Plan

Puzzle Prep Guide

Students will collaborate to assemble fragmented scenario viewpoints, identify and articulate diverse perspectives, and reflect on how understanding others’ experiences fosters empathy and social awareness.

This lesson develops critical social awareness and empathy by immersing students in multiple stakeholder viewpoints. It strengthens listening and perspective-taking skills essential for respectful collaboration and real-world interpersonal understanding.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Collaborative puzzle assembly of viewpoint fragments to foster perspective-taking.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Define empathy and social awareness
  • Explain how perspective-taking builds understanding
  • Share the lesson’s objective and process
  • Display the scenario title to pique interest

Step 2

Group Setup & Distribution

3 minutes

Step 3

Collaborative Puzzle Assembly

20 minutes

  • Students read their fragments individually, then share summaries with their group
  • Collaboratively sequence the fragments to rebuild the full narrative
  • Identify and note each stakeholder’s perspective on the puzzle template using markers
  • Encourage equal participation and respectful listening

Step 4

Group Presentations

10 minutes

  • Each group presents their reconstructed scenario and explains each viewpoint
  • Class listens actively and asks clarifying questions
  • Provide constructive feedback focused on perspective accuracy

Step 5

Individual Reflection on Chart

7 minutes

  • Distribute the Group Reflection Chart
  • Prompt students to reflect: "How did understanding different perspectives change your view of the situation?"
  • Collect charts for formative assessment

Step 6

Whole-Class Debrief

5 minutes

  • Lead a discussion on key takeaways about empathy and social awareness
  • Highlight how perspective-taking applies to real-world interactions
  • Reinforce the value of listening to and learning from others’ experiences
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Slide Deck

Scenario Fragments: Community Garden vs. Shopping Center

You will receive individual fragments of a community debate. Read your fragment, then piece the story together with your group. Identify whose voice speaks in each fragment.

Hidden from students: Introduce the scenario and clarify that each of these text snippets will be printed and cut for group puzzle assembly. Ensure students understand they’ll piece together the narrative and identify viewpoints.

Fragment 1: Developer Vision

"Our proposal will transform this underused plot into a thriving shopping center, bringing jobs and boosting the local economy. We envision modern retail spaces, a food court, and ample parking to serve community needs."

Each group member gets one or more fragments. Encourage note-taking of stakeholder identity and main point.

Fragment 2: City Council Notice

"Notice of Public Hearing: The City Council will review the Garden Grove Development Proposal on June 14 at 6 PM in the municipal chambers. Residents and interested parties may submit comments in writing or attend to share their viewpoints."

Ask: What tone and priorities do you hear from this stakeholder?

Fragment 3: Resident Concern

"I’ve walked past that garden every day for years. It’s the one green spot in our neighborhood. Trading it for concrete and stores will hurt our quality of life and reduce open space for children to play."

Highlight procedural aspects of civic engagement.

Fragment 4: Environmental Activist

"This plot hosts over a dozen native plant species and pollinators. Paving it over for development would disrupt local biodiversity and eliminate valuable habitat for bees and butterflies."

Draw attention to personal/emotional stakes.

Fragment 5: Small Business Owner

"A new shopping center could drive foot traffic to surrounding shops, including mine. More customers means better revenue and the ability to hire additional staff from the community."

Note ecological arguments.

Fragment 6: Community Garden Volunteer

"The garden isn’t just plants—it’s a gathering place. We host workshops, share fresh produce with seniors, and teach kids about nature. It brings people together in a positive way."

Discuss economic ripple effects.

Fragment 7: Proposed Compromise

"Council staff propose a mixed-use plan: allocate 20% of the land to a green corridor and community plots, with the remainder dedicated to retail. Public feedback will refine the final layout."

Ask students to find clues of possible compromise.

Fragment 8: Final Decision

"After reviewing feedback, the council approved the mixed-use development. The project will include a landscaped walkway, community garden plots, and sustainable building features alongside new shops."

Conclusion of narrative—ready for sequencing.

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Activity

Perspective Puzzle Assembly

Purpose:
Students will collaboratively reconstruct the community‐garden vs. shopping‐center scenario by assembling fragmented viewpoints, then map and discuss each stakeholder’s perspective. This activity builds critical listening, perspective‐taking, and teamwork skills.

Materials (per group of four):

  • One set of eight printed & cut puzzle fragments (Scenario Fragments)
  • One blank puzzle‐template sheet
  • Markers or pens

Setup (Teacher – 5 minutes)

  1. Print and cut each slide from Scenario Fragments into individual pieces.
  2. Place one complete set of pieces in an envelope or small bag for each group.
  3. Distribute a blank puzzle‐template sheet and markers to each group cluster.

Steps

  1. Distribute & Preview (2 minutes)
    • Give each group their puzzle pieces and template.
    • Explain: “You will rebuild the story, then identify whose voice speaks in each fragment.”
  2. Individual Read & Note (3 minutes)
    • Each student selects at least one fragment.
    • Read silently and note on the fragment:
    • Stakeholder identity
    • One key concern or value
  3. Group Sequencing (10 minutes)
    • Share your fragment notes with teammates.
    • Together, arrange the pieces on the template to reconstruct the full narrative.
    • When agreed, secure the pieces (tape or glue).
  4. Perspective Mapping (5 minutes)
    • Next to each fragment on the template, write:
    • Stakeholder name
    • Their main priority or concern
      • Use different marker colors for clarity.
  5. Group Reflection & Notes (5 minutes)
    • Discuss these questions as a group and record a brief summary below:
    1. Which perspectives aligned, and which conflicted?
    2. What surprised you about any stakeholder’s viewpoint?
    3. How did hearing all voices change your understanding of the issue?






Debrief Prompts (for whole‐class wrap‐up)

  • How did ordering the fragments help clarify the sequence of events and stakeholder motivations?
  • Which listening or collaboration strategies worked best in your group?
  • In real‐life community debates, how can we ensure all voices are heard and valued?

Once complete, proceed to Group Presentations in the Puzzle Prep Guide instructions.

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Cool Down

Group Reflection Chart

Name: ___________________ Group #: _____ Date: __________

Reflection QuestionYour Response
1. Which stakeholder’s perspective surprised you the most? Why?


2. Which perspectives aligned and which conflicted? Provide examples.





3. How did hearing all voices change your understanding of the issue?





4. How can you apply perspective-taking in your own life or community?





Teacher Guidance:

  • Collect charts to assess depth of empathy and social awareness.
  • Look for specific references to stakeholder viewpoints.
  • Provide written or verbal feedback on students’ reflections.
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Perspective Puzzle • Lenny Learning