lenny

The Empathy Toolbox

user image

Lesson Plan

The Empathy Toolbox

Understanding and practicing empathy

This lesson introduces Grade 3 students to the concept of empathy through engaging storytelling and role-play activities. Students will explore different scenarios to practice empathy and understand the perspectives of others, enriching their social skills and emotional intelligence. This lesson is important as it helps students develop the ability to connect with others, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.

Audience

Grade 3 Students

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Understanding and practicing empathy

Materials

Storybook: 'The Invisible Boy' by Trudy Ludwig, Printable Role-Play Scenario Cards, Discussion Questions, and Whiteboard and Markers

Step 1

Introduction to Empathy

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they think empathy means.
  • Write their responses on the whiteboard.
  • Explain that empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

Step 2

Storytelling

10 minutes

  • Read 'The Invisible Boy' by Trudy Ludwig aloud to the class.
  • Pause at key moments to ask students how they think the characters are feeling.

Step 3

Discussion

5 minutes

  • Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about the story.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the characters' experiences.

Step 4

Role-Play Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute the printable role-play scenario cards.
  • Instruct each group to act out their scenario, focusing on how to show empathy.
  • After each role-play, discuss as a class how empathy was demonstrated.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned about empathy today.
  • Encourage them to think of ways they can show empathy in their daily lives.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Discussion

Discussion Questions on Empathy

A set of questions to guide a discussion on empathy after reading the story.

What does it mean to be invisible like the boy in the story?

Encourage students to think about feelings of loneliness and being left out.







How did the other characters show empathy towards the invisible boy?

Discuss specific actions and words that demonstrated understanding and kindness.







Can you think of a time when you showed empathy to someone?

Invite students to share personal experiences and relate them to the story.







lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Printable cards with different scenarios for students to role-play and practice empathy.




A new student joins the class and feels shy.







A classmate drops their lunch and looks upset.







Someone is sitting alone at recess and seems sad.







A friend is nervous about an upcoming test.




lenny
lenny