The Empathy Map Project

Christina Fonts

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Empathy Map Project

Develop empathy through character analysis

In this lesson, students will create empathy maps for characters from a book or historical figures they are currently studying. This activity will help students deepen their understanding of different perspectives and promote empathy. By engaging in this project, students will enhance their ability to analyze characters and develop a more nuanced understanding of diverse viewpoints, which is crucial for their social-emotional growth.

Audience

Grades 7-10

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Develop empathy through character analysis

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, and Empathy Map Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the concept of empathy and its importance in understanding others.
Explain the purpose of an empathy map and how it helps in analyzing characters or historical figures.

Step 2

Empathy Map Explanation

5 mins

Distribute the Empathy Map Worksheet to each student.
Explain each section of the empathy map: what the character says, thinks, does, and feels.
Provide an example using a well-known character or figure.

Step 3

Group Activity

20 mins

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a character or historical figure.
Instruct students to work together to fill out the empathy map for their assigned character.
Encourage students to use evidence from the text or historical context to support their ideas.

Step 4

Class Discussion

5 mins

Have each group present their empathy map to the class.
Facilitate a discussion on the different perspectives and insights gained from the activity.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Reflect on the importance of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives.
Ask students to share one new insight they gained about their character or figure.

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Worksheet

Empathy Map Worksheet

This worksheet guides students in creating empathy maps for characters or historical figures, helping them analyze different perspectives.

What does the character say?

Consider the character's dialogue and statements.

What does the character think?

Reflect on the character's thoughts and motivations.

What does the character do?

Observe the character's actions and behaviors.

What does the character feel?

Identify the character's emotions and feelings.