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Storytelling with Empathy

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Lesson Plan

Storytelling with Empathy

Practice empathy through storytelling

In this lesson, students will engage in storytelling activities where they craft narratives from different perspectives. This exercise will help them practice empathy and emotional understanding by appreciating diverse viewpoints. The lesson is important as it enhances social skills and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for personal and academic growth.

Audience

Grades 6-8

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Practice empathy through storytelling

Materials

Discussion Questions, Storytelling Worksheet, and Printable Perspective Cards

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on empathy and its importance in understanding others.
  • Explain the objective of the lesson: to practice empathy through storytelling.

Step 2

Group Activity: Perspective Cards

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Distribute printable perspective cards to each group.
  • Instruct students to discuss the perspective on their card and brainstorm a short story from that viewpoint.

Step 3

Story Crafting

15 minutes

  • Provide each student with a storytelling worksheet.
  • Ask students to individually write a short narrative from the perspective discussed in their group.
  • Encourage creativity and emotional expression in their stories.

Step 4

Sharing and Discussion

7 minutes

  • Invite students to share their stories with the class.
  • Facilitate a discussion using the prepared questions to explore the different perspectives and emotions expressed in the stories.

Step 5

Closure

3 minutes

  • Summarize the key learnings from the lesson.
  • Encourage students to reflect on how understanding different perspectives can enhance empathy in their daily lives.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Questions to guide the discussion on empathy and storytelling.

What is empathy and why is it important?

Discuss the definition of empathy and its role in understanding others' feelings.







How did it feel to write from a different perspective?

Encourage students to share their experiences and any challenges they faced.







What did you learn about the character you wrote about?

Discuss insights gained about the character's emotions and motivations.







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Worksheet

Storytelling Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students in crafting their narratives from different perspectives.

Describe the character whose perspective you are writing from.








What is the main event or conflict in your story?








How does your character feel about this event?

Consider the emotions and motivations driving your character's actions.







How does your story resolve?

Think about how the character's perspective influences the outcome.







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Worksheet

Printable Perspective Cards

Cards with different perspectives for students to use in storytelling activities.




A child who just moved to a new city







An elderly person reflecting on their life







A pet experiencing a day at home







A teacher preparing for a new school year







A superhero facing a moral dilemma




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