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The Empathy Lens

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Lesson Plan

The Empathy Lens

Students will understand and practice perspective-taking, a key component of empathy.

This lesson builds social-emotional intelligence, helping students understand others' feelings and react with kindness, which is crucial for positive relationships and a supportive community.

Audience

6th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Scenario-based discussions and a reflective activity.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, The Empathy Lens Slide Deck, Markers or pens, and Perspective Ponderings Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Empathy?

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what empathy means to them.
    - Discuss how empathy helps us understand others' feelings.
    - Introduce the concept of 'perspective-taking' as seeing things from someone else's point of view.
    - Use The Empathy Lens Slide Deck slides 1-3 to guide this discussion.

Step 2

Scenario-Based Discussion

15 minutes

  • Present a series of scenarios to the class (refer to The Empathy Lens Slide Deck slides 4-7 for examples).
    - For each scenario, ask students to consider:
    - How might the different people in this situation feel?
    - Why might they feel that way?
    - What could be a kind or helpful response?
    - Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging diverse perspectives and thoughtful responses.
    - Emphasize that there isn't always one 'right' answer, but understanding different perspectives is key.

Step 3

Perspective Ponderings Activity

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Perspective Ponderings Worksheet to each student.
    - Explain that students will choose one of the scenarios discussed (or a new one you provide) and complete the worksheet individually.
    - The worksheet prompts them to describe the situation, identify different people involved, consider their feelings, and imagine a thoughtful response.
    - Circulate around the room to provide support and answer questions.

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Ask a few students to share their reflections from the Perspective Ponderings Worksheet (time permitting).
    - Reiterate the importance of using 'The Empathy Lens' in their daily lives.
    - Conclude by emphasizing that practicing perspective-taking helps build a more compassionate community. Use The Empathy Lens Slide Deck slide 8 for closing thoughts.
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Slide Deck

The Empathy Lens: Seeing Through Others' Eyes

How can we truly understand each other?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of empathy. Ask them what it means to them.

What is Empathy?

  • Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of another.
  • It's like putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
  • Why is empathy important in our daily lives?

Lead a discussion on empathy. What does it feel like to be understood? What does it feel like to misunderstand someone?

Perspective-Taking: Seeing Things Differently

  • Perspective-taking means trying to understand a situation from someone else's point of view.
  • It's about imagining their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
  • Why is this important?

Explain perspective-taking as a key part of empathy. Give simple examples like two people seeing a '6' and '9' from different sides.

Scenario 1: The Broken Project

Maria spent hours on her science project. On the way to school, another student, Alex, accidentally bumps into her, and the project crashes to the floor. Maria is devastated.

How do Maria and Alex feel? Why? What should happen next?

Present the first scenario. Ask students: How might each person feel? Why might they feel that way? What could be a helpful response? Encourage varied responses.

Scenario 2: The Lunch Table

A new student, Sam, sits alone at a lunch table. A group of friends, including Leo, usually sits there. Leo sees Sam and wonders what to do.

How does Sam feel? How might Leo feel? What are Leo's options? What would you do?

Present the second scenario. Continue to prompt students to consider feelings and motivations from multiple viewpoints.

Scenario 3: The Missing Ball

During recess, the class's favorite kickball goes missing. Everyone is upset. Later, it's found in David's backpack, but he denies taking it.

How do the other students feel? How might David feel? What could be happening?

Present the third scenario. Encourage students to think about the 'why' behind actions.

Scenario 4: Group Work Dilemma

For a group project, one student, Chloe, loves to take charge and assign tasks. Another student, Ben, prefers to work quietly on his own part. They are paired together.

How might Chloe feel? How might Ben feel? How can they work together effectively?

Present the fourth scenario. Discuss how different people can have different needs or preferences.

Using Your Empathy Lens

  • Practice seeing situations from different points of view.
  • Ask yourself: "How would I feel if I were them?"
  • Remember that understanding others builds stronger friendships and a kinder community.
  • Let's use our Empathy Lenses every day!

Summarize the key takeaways. Reiterate the idea of 'The Empathy Lens' and its practical application.

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Worksheet

Perspective Ponderings: Seeing Through Their Eyes

Instructions: Choose one of the scenarios we discussed in class, or a new situation where you found it helpful to think about someone else's feelings. Complete the sections below to practice using your Empathy Lens.

Scenario Chosen:












People Involved:

  • Who are the main people in this situation?





Their Feelings and Thoughts:

  • For each person, imagine how they might be feeling and what they might be thinking. What experiences might lead them to feel this way?

    Person 1:

    Feelings:



    Thoughts:


    Person 2:

    Feelings:



    Thoughts:


    (Add more people if needed)

Your Empathetic Response:

  • If you were observing this situation, what is one kind or helpful thing you could say or do to show empathy and understanding?











What I Learned:

  • What did you learn about perspective-taking from thinking about this scenario?





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