Empathy Mapping Activity

This engaging activity helps students explore and express the feelings, needs, and strengths of individuals, particularly focusing on the experiences of children with autism. Working collaboratively in small groups, students will build an empathy map that enhances their understanding and empathy.

How to Conduct the Activity

1. Introduction (2 minutes):

   • Begin by briefly discussing the importance of understanding and empathizing with others. Ask questions like, "How do you think someone feels when they face challenges?" or "What might make someone feel special or strong?"

2. Group Work (6 minutes):

   • Divide students into small groups.
   • Distribute a simple empathy map template that has three sections: Feelings, Needs, and Strengths. (Teachers can make these on paper or use a board to fill in together.)
   • Ask each group to discuss and fill in what they think a child with autism might feel, need, and be strong in. Encourage groups to use positive language and thoughtful descriptions.

3. Sharing and Discussion (2 minutes):

   • Invite each group to briefly share one or two key ideas from their empathy maps.
   • Use this moment to reinforce the idea that everyone has unique feelings and strengths, and that understanding these helps us be better friends and classmates.

Teacher Tips

• Prompting Questions: Think about questions like, "What would make you feel better if you were having a hard day?" or "What is something that makes you feel really good about yourself?"
• Visual Aids: If available, use visual aids or simple cards with emotions to support vocabulary.
• Encouragement: Remind students that all answers are welcome and that this is a safe space for sharing ideas about feelings and strengths.

Remember to ensure that the activity is positive and respectful, focusing on empathy and support for all classmates.

Celebrate Uniqueness Poster Project

This project invites students to create a poster that highlights the idea that every person is special and has something unique to share. Working in small groups, students combine art and words to express characteristics, talents, or positive traits that make each individual stand out.

Project Guidelines

1. Group Formation:
   • Organize students into small groups of 3-4 members.
     
     
     
2. Discussion (3 minutes):
   • Begin with a brief discussion about what makes each person unique. Encourage students to think about different personality traits, talents, or ways they are different.
     
     
     
3. Design (5 minutes):
   • Each group receives a large poster paper and art supplies such as markers, crayons, and stickers.
   • Groups should decide on a central theme or message that promotes acceptance and celebrates diversity.
     
     
     
4. Creation (7 minutes):
   • Students work together to design their poster. Emphasize creativity, collaboration, and positive messages.
   • They can include drawings, words, and other artistic elements to illustrate the uniqueness of every individual.
     
     
     
5. Sharing (Optional):
   • If time permits, allow each group a moment to present their poster and share what inspired their design.
     
     
     

Teacher Tips

• Encourage Collaboration: Remind students to work as a team and value each other’s ideas.
• Positive Language: Guide students to use kind and encouraging words on their posters.
• Display: Consider hanging the completed posters around the classroom to promote a positive, inclusive environment.

Understanding Autism: Embracing Our Unique Friends

This lesson is designed to help 3rd graders understand autism spectrum disorder in a supportive and inclusive way. By learning about the characteristics, strengths, and unique challenges of individuals with autism, students will develop empathy and become more accepting friends. Below you'll find the lesson plan, engaging activity, interactive project, and a special reading to enrich the session.

Lesson Plan

Objective: Students will understand autism spectrum disorder, learn about its characteristics, and appreciate the strengths and challenges that make each individual unique.

Why It Matters: This lesson fosters empathy and inclusivity, helping children appreciate diversity and become supportive classmates, while understanding that every person is unique.

Approach: Interactive discussion, group activity, and a hands-on project.

Audience: 3rd Graders

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Materials:

• Understanding Autism Lesson Plan
• Empathy Mapping Activity
• Celebrate Uniqueness Poster Project
• Reading: "All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism"

Teacher Preparation:

• Review the Understanding Autism Lesson Plan.
  
• Familiarize yourself with the Empathy Mapping Activity and the Celebrate Uniqueness Poster Project.
  
• Prepare any additional visual aids and discussion prompts to support the lesson.

Session Breakdown

1. Introduction and Discussion (10 minutes):
   

   • Begin with a brief discussion on what makes each person unique.
     
   • Introduce the concept of autism using age-appropriate language.
     
   • Ask guiding questions like, "What makes you special?" and "How can we help our friends feel understood?"

2. Engaging Activity: Empathy Mapping (10 minutes):
   

   • Use the Empathy Mapping Activity to explore the feelings, needs, and strengths of children with autism.
     
   • Divide students into small groups and have them fill out an empathy map on paper or a board, describing what a child with autism might feel, need, and be strong in.

3. Project: Celebrate Uniqueness Poster (10 minutes):
   

   • Have students create a poster in small groups showcasing what makes each person unique. Use the Celebrate Uniqueness Poster Project for guidance.
     
   • Encourage creativity, art, and positive messaging. Display the posters around the classroom as a reminder of our unique strengths and the importance of acceptance.

Reading

Enhance your lesson with a story that brings the experience of autism to life:

• Reading: "All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism"

"All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism" is a narrative that provides a relatable and engaging perspective on autism. Through storytelling, students can better understand and empathize with the feelings and experiences of individuals with autism.

This well-rounded lesson combines discussion, activities, and storytelling to foster a classroom environment of empathy, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Reading Options for Understanding Autism

To provide a variety of narrative perspectives on autism, here are some additional book options that can be used to complement the lesson:

1. "My Brother Charlie" by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete

   • A touching story about a young boy learning to understand and appreciate the differences of his brother who has autism.

2. "Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts" by Julia Cook

   • This story highlights the unique strengths and gifts often found in individuals with autism, encouraging children to celebrate what makes each person special.

3. "I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism" by Pat Thomas

   • An easy-to-read overview of autism designed specifically for young children, offering insights into the experiences and feelings of those with autism.

4. "Just Like You" by Vanessa Briscoe Hay

   • A story that emphasizes similarities as well as differences, helping young readers understand that, despite challenges, children with autism have much in common with their peers.

These books offer diverse perspectives and can be selected based on the interests and needs of your students. Integrating multiple reading options can enhance the discussion and provide a well-rounded understanding of autism.