Script: Perspectives

Teacher:
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to explore how people can see the same thing in different ways. This is called 'perspective-taking.' It means that even if we all look at the same situation, we might feel or understand it differently."

"I want you to imagine a scene with two characters: Jamie and Alex. Both of them see the same event – a surprise birthday party – but they notice different details."

Story Time:
"Let's start with Jamie. When Jamie walked into the room, the first thing that caught their eye was the colorful balloons and the big, delicious cake on the table. Jamie felt excited and happy because they love parties and treats.

Now, let's look at Alex. When Alex entered the room, what did they notice? Perhaps Alex saw the same balloons and cake, but also noticed a friend in tears in the corner. Alex felt worried because they knew that sometimes even fun parties can make someone feel left out or sad."

Teacher Question:
"So, what do you think? How can the same party make one person feel excited and another feel worried?"

Pause and allow students to share their thoughts. Remind everyone that there's no right or wrong answer, and every perspective is valuable.

Follow-Up Prompt:
"Can someone share a time when you saw something one way and then later saw it differently after you learned more?"

Encourage responses and provide supportive prompts. For the student with autism, use visual aids or specific, clear prompts like: 'Look at this picture of a party. What do you see first? The balloons or someone who might be feeling left out?'

Teacher Summary:
"The important idea here is that our experiences and feelings can change what we notice around us. Jamie and Alex both attended the same party, but they focused on different details because of how they felt at that moment. This is why understanding different perspectives helps us learn more about each other and makes our class a kinder, stronger community."

Closure Question:
"Before we move on to our next activity, I'd like everyone to think of one thing they noticed differently than someone else today. Who would like to share?"

*Allow students to share their insights, and give praise for every thoughtful answer. End the storytelling session by tying the ideas back to the lesson's goal: understanding that every person's point of view is important and worth listening to."

Worksheet: Exploring Perspectives

In this worksheet, you will explore different scenarios and think about how people might see the same event in different ways. Read each scenario carefully, answer the questions, and use the space provided to share your thoughts.

Scenario 1: The Mixed-Up Art Project

Imagine your class has been asked to create a big art project. One group thinks the project should use only bright colors, while another group wants to include many different shapes. Both groups think their idea is the best way to show creativity.

Questions:

1. How do you think the first group feels about their idea?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How might the second group explain why their idea is special?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How can listening to both points of view make the final art project even better?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The School Garden

Your school has a small garden. Some students think it should be full of bright, colorful flowers, while others believe it should include vegetables that everyone can eat. Both ideas are good because they bring beauty and food to the school.

Questions:

1. What might be some reasons a student would choose flowers over vegetables?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What might another student say about the benefits of growing vegetables?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Describe one way these two ideas can work together to create a wonderful garden.
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: A Day at the Playground

During recess, one group of students is excited about playing tag, while another group wants to play a quiet game of drawing with chalk on the pavement. They both love recess, but have different ideas on how to have fun.

Questions:

1. How might the first group describe why tag is fun to play?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What could be some reasons the second group prefers a quiet game with chalk?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How can understanding both ideas help everyone enjoy recess together?
   
   (Write your answer below)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection:

Take a moment to think about a time when you and a friend saw something differently. How did sharing your points of view help you understand each other better?

(Write your answer below)

Great work! Remember, every person's perspective is important and helps make our community stronger and more interesting.

Activity: Perspective Role-Play

In this activity, students will engage in a role-play exercise to explore different perspectives. They will be provided with scenario cards that describe a situation, and each card will include details that suggest different viewpoints. The goal is to help students understand that each person might see the world in a unique way, and that these differences can lead to a richer understanding of any situation.

Guidelines

1. Group Formation: Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. Each group will receive a set of scenario cards.
2. Card Assignment: Randomly assign each student a card with a specific perspective. If necessary, allow the students to work in pairs, especially if someone feels more comfortable with a partner.
3. Preparation: Give each group 2 minutes to read their assigned scenario and discuss what their character might think, feel, and do in that situation. Reminders will be provided to guide the student with autism with clear visual cues and step-by-step assistance if needed.
4. Role-Play: Each group will perform a short role-play (1-2 minutes per group) where they act out the scenario. Encourage them to express their assigned viewpoints and to listen actively to others.
5. Class Discussion: After the role-plays, hold a class discussion by asking questions such as:
   • How did it feel to take on a different perspective?
   • Were there any surprises about how someone else viewed the situation?
   • How can understanding multiple viewpoints help us in real-life situations?

Scenario Example

Imagine a situation where two friends arrive at a park. One friend notices the new playground equipment and feels excited, while the other notices a group of children arguing and feels worried. Discuss how each friend might react and why.

Follow-Up Questions for Reflection

• What did you learn about understanding others when you acted out your role?
• How might this experience help you in your daily interactions at school?
• Share one thing you appreciated about someone else’s perspective during the role-play.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Remember: Every perspective brings a new insight. This activity is about exploring different ways to see the world, and every viewpoint is valuable!

Game: Perspective Switch

In this fast-paced game, students will quickly practice shifting their point of view to understand how different perspectives can change the way we think about a situation.

How to Play:

1. Form a Circle: Have the students stand or sit in a circle so that everyone can see each other clearly.

2. Scenario Prompt: The teacher presents a simple scenario (e.g., "Imagine you're at a busy playground.") and starts by describing one perspective (e.g., "You see the playground as a fun space full of energy and laughter.").

3. Switching Perspectives: After a few seconds, the teacher asks, "Now, switch your perspective!" Students then quickly share what the same scenario might look like from a different point of view (e.g., "Maybe someone sees the noise as overwhelming, or feels left out.").

4. Rotation: The teacher can call on individual students or groups to share their thoughts, ensuring everyone gets a chance to contribute.

5. Variation: For added fun, the teacher can introduce a new scenario after each round, encouraging students to adapt and think on their feet.

Game Rules:

• No Wrong Answers: Remind students that every perspective is valuable, and there are no right or wrong answers in this game.
• Active Listening: Encourage students to listen carefully to each other's viewpoints and build on them if possible.
• Time Limit: Keep each perspective switch brief (about 10-15 seconds) to maintain a quick pace and energy.

Benefits:

• Enhances flexible thinking and creativity.
• Fosters empathy by experiencing different points of view.
• Encourages active listening and respectful dialogue.

Get ready to switch those perspectives and see the world from a whole new angle!