Perspective Coach Script

Warm-Up (3 minutes)

Teacher: “Hi there! Today, we’re going to practice stepping into someone else’s shoes to understand how they feel and what they’re thinking. Can you think of a time you and a friend saw things differently?”

Possible Student Response: “Yes—when we both wanted to be team captain.”

Teacher Follow-Up:

• “Tell me more about what happened.”
• “How did it feel when you disagreed?”

Main Activity (12 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s look at our first scenario from Story Swap Exercise.”

1. Read Scenario Aloud:
   • “Alex and Sam both want to use the new art supplies at the same time.”
   • Alex: “I’ve been waiting all week to paint!”
   • Sam: “But I only have 5 minutes before I have to leave.”
2. Introduce the Chart on Viewpoint Visualization:
   Teacher: “We’ll fill in each person’s Feeling and Viewpoint on our chart. First, Alex.”

Teacher: “Why might Alex feel excited? What words give us clues?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “Great idea—what else?”
• “Can you point to the words that show excitement?”

Teacher: “Now, what do you think Alex is thinking about? What does he want?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “Nice—how do you know he wants to paint?”
• “Is there another reason he might feel that way?”

Teacher: “Let’s do the same for Sam. Why might Sam feel worried or rushed?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “What in the scenario told you that?”
• “How would you feel if you had only 5 minutes?”

Teacher: “And Sam’s viewpoint—what is important to Sam right now?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “Why does time matter to Sam?”
• “Could Sam have other thoughts about sharing?”

Teacher: “Awesome work! What else could Alex or Sam be thinking beyond these ideas?”

Reflection (3 minutes)

Teacher: “How did imagining Alex’s and Sam’s views feel?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “What clues helped you most?”
• “What did you learn about their feelings?”
• “Why is it useful to think about how others feel?”

Teacher: “Can you think of a real-life time when this skill might help you?”

Follow-Up Prompts:

• “Tell me about a time at recess or lunch.”
• “How might you use this next time you’re with a friend?”

Closure (2 minutes)

Teacher: “You did an amazing job identifying feelings and viewpoints today. Remember, practicing empathy helps build stronger friendships and teamwork. Try to notice how others feel and think throughout your day.”

Teacher: “Great work—keep solving that Perspective Puzzle!”

Story Swap Exercise

Use these scenario cards to practice stepping into others’ shoes. Read each short story aloud, then work together to identify each character’s feelings and viewpoints.

Scenario Card 1: The Recess Relay
Riley and Jordan both want to be the anchor runner in the class relay race.

Riley: “I always finish strong and want to lead our team!”
Jordan: “But I helped practice every day—I think I should get the last leg!”

Scenario Card 2: The Last Piece of Cake
Mia and Carlos each reach for the final slice of chocolate cake at the party.

Mia: “It’s my favorite flavor—I planned to have this last piece!”
Carlos: “I didn’t get any cake earlier—I’d really like a slice too!”

Scenario Card 3: The Bus Seat Debate
Taylor and Avery both rush onto the bus and spot the same empty window seat.

Taylor: “I had a long day and need to sit by the window!”
Avery: “I’m feeling dizzy—sitting here helps me feel better.”