Warm Up: How Do You Recharge?

Instructions: Think about a time when you felt tired, stressed, or just a little bit down. What is one thing you did that helped you feel better or more relaxed? It could be something simple! Write it down below.

Share: Be ready to share your idea with the class if you feel comfortable!

Self-Care Scavenger Hunt

Instructions: Self-care is all about taking care of you! It can be different things for different people. For this scavenger hunt, your mission is to find and list different types of self-care activities.

Think about things you can do to take care of your body, mind, and feelings. Try to be creative!

Find an activity that...

1. Makes your body feel good (physical self-care): (e.g., stretching, drinking water)
   
   
   
   

2. Helps you relax your mind (mental self-care): (e.g., reading a book, solving a puzzle)
   
   
   
   

3. Boosts your mood or makes you laugh (emotional self-care): (e.g., listening to music, watching a funny video)
   
   
   
   

4. Connects you with others (social self-care): (e.g., calling a friend, playing a game with family)
   
   
   
   

5. Allows you to be creative (creative self-care): (e.g., drawing, writing, playing an instrument)
   
   
   
   

6. Helps you learn something new (intellectual self-care): (e.g., researching a topic of interest, doing a brain teaser)
   
   
   
   

7. Is something you can do in 5 minutes or less:
   
   
   
   

8. Is something you can do when you feel overwhelmed:
   
   
   
   

Bonus: What is one new self-care idea you learned from this activity or from a classmate?

My Self-Care Journal

Instructions: Take some time to reflect on what self-care means to you and how you can make it a part of your daily life. Use these prompts to guide your thinking.

Prompt 1: What is Self-Care to Me?

In your own words, what does self-care mean? Why do you think it's important for people your age to practice self-care?

Prompt 2: My Self-Care Toolkit

Think about the activities you enjoy that help you feel happy, relaxed, or energized. List at least three specific self-care strategies you could use when you need to recharge.

Prompt 3: Making a Plan

How can you make sure to include self-care in your daily or weekly routine? What is one small step you can take this week to practice self-care?

Prompt 4: My Self-Care Superpower

Imagine self-care is a superpower. What would your self-care superpower be, and how would it help you conquer challenges or feel your best?

Self-Care Reflection Cool Down

Instructions: Please answer the following questions honestly to help you reflect on today's lesson.

1. One thing I learned about self-care today is...
   
   
   
   

2. One self-care activity I am excited to try (or continue doing) this week is...
   
   
   
   

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how important do you think self-care is for middle school students?

   • 1 (Not Important at All)
   • 2 (A Little Important)
   • 3 (Moderately Important)
   • 4 (Very Important)
   • 5 (Extremely Important)
     
     
     
     

Script: Guide to Empathy

Warm-Up: Empathy Check-in (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our session today, I want to do a quick 'Empathy Check-in'. I'm going to hand out an index card to each of you. On this card, I'd like you to write one word that describes how you are feeling right now. Don't put your name on it; it's anonymous. Just one word, describing your current feeling."

(Distribute index cards. Give students about 1-2 minutes to write. Collect the cards.)

Teacher: "Thank you. I'm going to read a few of these words aloud to give us a sense of the room. We have words like... 'tired,' 'excited,' 'calm,' 'nervous,' 'curious.' It's interesting how many different feelings can be in one space, isn't it? Today, we're going to explore what it means to truly understand these different feelings, both in ourselves and in others."

Introduction to Empathy (10 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 1: Welcome to Empathy! on the Slide Deck: Walk In Their Shoes)

Teacher: "Our lesson today is titled 'Walk In Their Shoes,' and that's exactly what we'll be learning to do – metaphorically, of course! We're going to dive into a super important life skill: empathy. Before I give you the official definition, what do you think empathy means? Turn to a partner for 30 seconds and discuss what you imagine empathy to be."

(Allow brief partner discussion.)

(Transition to Slide 2: What is Empathy?)

Teacher: "Great ideas! Many of you are on the right track. As you can see here, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It's about more than just sympathy, which is feeling sorry for someone. Empathy is about truly putting yourself in someone else's situation to try and understand how they feel, even if you haven't experienced it yourself. It helps us connect with people on a deeper level and understand their perspectives."

(Transition to Slide 3: Why Does Empathy Matter?)

Teacher: "So, why bother with empathy? Why is this skill so important? Take a look at these points. Empathy helps us build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and improves how we communicate with everyone around us. It makes you a better friend, a better classmate, and later in life, a better employee or leader. How do you think empathy could specifically help someone working in a business, like our 'business man' example from the description?"

(Allow 2-3 student responses.)

(Transition to Slide 4: Watch and Learn: The Power of Empathy)

Teacher: "To help us really grasp what empathy looks like, we're going to watch a short video. As you watch, pay close attention to how the characters try to understand each other's feelings and perspectives. Think about the impact that understanding has on the situation."

(Play the video. After the video, ask a quick question or two.)

Teacher: "What did you notice in the video? How did empathy change the interaction?"

Reading & Discussion: The Empathetic Employee (15 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 5: Empathy at Work: The Empathetic Employee)

Teacher: "Now that we have a better understanding of what empathy is and why it's important, let's explore it in a specific context: the workplace. I'm going to hand out a short reading called The Empathetic Employee. This reading provides some scenarios and insights into how empathy is used in a business environment. Please read it silently or, if you prefer, you can read it with a partner at your table. As you read, think about the examples presented and how empathy makes a difference."

(Distribute the Reading: The Empathetic Employee. Allow 7-8 minutes for reading.)

(Transition to Slide 6: Discussing Empathy in Action)

Teacher: "Alright, let's discuss what you read. I'll be guiding our conversation with some questions from our Discussion: Empathy in Action prompts. First, what did you find surprising or particularly interesting in the reading? (Pause for responses). How did empathy help the characters in the reading overcome challenges or improve situations? (Pause for responses). Can you think of other real-world situations, perhaps even ones you've seen or heard about, where empathy would be absolutely key in a business or workplace setting?"

(Facilitate a class discussion, encouraging multiple students to share their thoughts and linking back to the reading.)

Activity: Empathy Scenarios & Role-Play (15 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 7: Practice Time: Empathy Scenarios & Role-Play)

Teacher: "You've defined empathy, discussed it, and seen it in action. Now it's time to apply your empathy skills! I'm distributing a Worksheet: Empathy Scenarios. This worksheet has a few short scenarios where empathy is needed. I'd like you to work individually first, or with a partner if you prefer, to read through the scenarios and think about how an empathetic response would look."

(Distribute the Worksheet: Empathy Scenarios. Allow 5 minutes for students to read and jot down initial thoughts.)

Teacher: "Excellent! Now, for the exciting part – we're going to bring some of these scenarios to life with our Activity: Role-Play a Day. I need a few volunteers to act out one or two of the scenarios from the worksheet. Remember to focus on demonstrating that empathetic response we just discussed. Who would like to go first?"

(Select volunteers or assign groups. Guide students through a couple of role-play scenarios, providing constructive feedback and praising empathetic approaches.)

Game: Perspective Pursuit (5 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 8: Quick Challenge: Perspective Pursuit!)

Teacher: "Fantastic job with the role-plays! To keep our brains thinking about different viewpoints, we're going to play a super quick game called Perspective Pursuit. The rules are simple: I'll describe a situation or a feeling, and you quickly tell me whose perspective we might be missing or need to consider more carefully. For example, if I say, 'A new student sits alone at lunch,' you might say, 'The new student's perspective – they might be shy or nervous.' Ready?"

(Lead the game for 3-4 minutes, providing different simple scenarios. Encourage quick, thoughtful answers.)

Wrap-Up & Project Introduction (5 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 9: Your Empathy Challenge!)

Teacher: "You've all done an amazing job today exploring empathy. We've learned that it's a powerful tool for understanding others and building connections, not just in our friendships but also in how we interact in the wider world, including future jobs and careers. To continue practicing these skills, we'll be starting a project called the Empathy Challenge. This project will give you a chance to apply everything we've talked about in a creative way. I'm handing out the Project Guide: Empathy Challenge and the Rubric: Empathy Challenge Project now. We'll go over these more in depth later, but for now, just know that it's your chance to show how empathy can truly make a difference."

(Distribute the project guide and rubric. Briefly explain that they will review it more thoroughly in a later session.)

Cool Down: One Word Wonders (5 minutes)

(Transition to Slide 10: Reflect and Wrap Up)

Teacher: "To wrap up our session today, let's bring it back to where we started. On the other side of your index card from earlier (or a new one if you need), I want you to write one word that describes something new you learned or felt about empathy today. It could be a new understanding, a feeling, or a key takeaway. Again, it's anonymous. This is our 'One Word Wonders' cool-down."

(Collect the cards. Optionally, read a few aloud to summarize the session's impact.)

Teacher: "Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, developing empathy is a continuous journey, and you've taken a great step today. See you next time!"

Warm Up: Empathy Check-in

Instructions:

1. Take an index card or small slip of paper.
2. On the card, write one word that describes how you are feeling right now.
3. Do not write your name on the card – it's anonymous.
4. When instructed, hand in your card.

The Empathetic Employee

Understanding Your Coworkers and Customers

In the world of business, it's easy to think that only facts, figures, and strategies matter. But successful businesses know that people are at the heart of everything. This is where empathy comes in. Empathy in the workplace means understanding and sharing the feelings of your colleagues, clients, and customers. It's about stepping into their shoes to see things from their point of view.

Scenario 1: The Stressed Colleague

Imagine Sarah, a project manager, notices her coworker, Tom, has been quiet and seems overwhelmed lately. He's usually very cheerful. Instead of just ignoring it or complaining that he's not pulling his weight, Sarah uses empathy. She thinks, "What might be going on in Tom's life that would make him act this way? Is he struggling with something?" She decides to casually ask Tom if he's doing okay and if there's anything she can do to help. Tom, surprised by her kindness, shares that he's been dealing with a family emergency. Sarah listens without judgment and offers to take over a small part of his workload for the week. This empathetic gesture not only helped Tom feel supported but also strengthened their team's bond.

Scenario 2: The Frustrated Customer

Consider a customer service representative, David, who receives a call from a very angry customer, Ms. Jenkins. Her internet service has been down for two days, and she's furious. David's first instinct might be to defend the company or get defensive himself. However, an empathetic approach means David tries to understand Ms. Jenkins' frustration. He thinks, "If my internet was out for two days, I'd be really upset too! I rely on it for work and communication." Instead of just reciting company policy, David genuinely apologizes for the inconvenience and validates her feelings: "I completely understand why you're frustrated, Ms. Jenkins. Two days without internet is unacceptable, and I'm truly sorry for the trouble this has caused you." By acknowledging her feelings first, David calms Ms. Jenkins down and can then work effectively to resolve her issue. An empathetic response often turns a negative experience into a chance to show excellent service.

Scenario 3: Innovating with User Empathy

Even in product development, empathy is crucial. A team is designing a new app. Instead of just thinking about what they like, the team members try to empathize with their potential users. They ask themselves: "Who will be using this app? What are their daily challenges? How will they feel when they interact with this feature?" They might spend time observing potential users or conducting interviews to truly understand their needs and frustrations. By doing this, they discover that users struggle with complex menus. So, they design a simpler, more intuitive interface, making the app much more enjoyable and successful. This is called user empathy and it's a driving force behind great innovations.

The Takeaway

Empathy isn't just a soft skill; it's a powerful tool that drives positive outcomes in any professional setting. It helps foster better communication, builds trust, and can even lead to more innovative solutions. By actively trying to understand the perspectives and feelings of others, you become a more valuable colleague, a more effective problem-solver, and a more successful individual in the interconnected world of business.

Empathy Scenarios: Putting Yourself in Their Shoes

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. For each one, answer the questions that follow, thinking about how empathy can guide your response. Use the space provided to write your answers.

Scenario 1: The Rushed Presentation

Your classmate, Alex, has to give a big presentation today, but they seem incredibly nervous. They keep checking their notes, fidgeting, and their voice is trembling. Just before it's their turn, the teacher announces that due to time constraints, everyone only has half the time they expected for their presentations.

1. How do you think Alex is feeling in this moment? What emotions might they be experiencing?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. If you were Alex, what would you be most worried about?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How could you show empathy towards Alex? What might you say or do?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: The New Kid on the Block

A new student, Maria, joins your class mid-year. She seems quiet and often sits alone during lunch and group activities. You notice other students forming their usual groups, and Maria just observes from a distance.

1. What might Maria be feeling as the new student? Think about her perspective.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What challenges might she be facing that you might not immediately see?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How could you demonstrate empathy towards Maria? What actions could you take?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: The Frustrated Teammate (Business Focus)

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates, Liam, hasn't been contributing much. He misses meetings and doesn't respond to messages. Other team members are getting frustrated and want to report him to the teacher or just do his work for him. You, however, notice that Liam has seemed distracted and a bit withdrawn in class lately.

1. How might Liam be feeling, considering his recent behavior and your observation?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What might be some underlying reasons for his lack of contribution?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. As an empathetic teammate, what would be your approach to this situation? What would you do or say to Liam and to your other teammates?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Activity: Role-Play a Day

Objective: To practice empathetic responses and communication in real-time scenarios.

Instructions:

1. Form Small Groups: Your teacher will divide you into small groups.
2. Choose a Scenario: From the Worksheet: Empathy Scenarios you just completed, select one or two scenarios that your group would like to act out.
3. Assign Roles: Within your group, assign roles for each character in the chosen scenario(s). One person might be Alex (the nervous presenter), another the empathetic classmate, etc.
4. Prepare Your Role-Play: Take a few minutes to discuss within your group:
   • How will each character portray their feelings?
   • How will the empathetic character respond, both verbally and non-verbally (e.g., body language, tone of voice)?
   • What is the goal of the empathetic response in this situation?
5. Perform Your Role-Play: Each group will perform their chosen scenario(s) for the class. Focus on showing, not just telling, what empathy looks like.

Discussion after each Role-Play:

After each group performs, we will discuss:

• What empathetic behaviors did you observe?
• How did the empathetic response change the dynamic of the situation?
• What was challenging about acting out an empathetic response?
• What did the role-play teach you about walking in someone else's shoes?

Discussion: Empathy in Action

Objective: To deepen understanding of empathy through guided class discussion and reflection on real-world applications.

Instructions: After reading The Empathetic Employee and completing the Worksheet: Empathy Scenarios, use the following prompts to guide a class discussion. Encourage students to share their insights, connect to personal experiences, and consider different perspectives.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Connecting to the Reading:

   • What specific examples from The Empathetic Employee showed how empathy made a positive difference in a business situation?
     
     
     
   • Were there any parts of the reading that surprised you? Did you realize empathy was so important in a professional context? Why or why not?
     
     
     

2. Personal Reflections:

   • Can you recall a time when someone showed empathy towards you? How did it make you feel?
     
     
     
   • When have you tried to show empathy to someone else? What was the situation, and what was the outcome? Was it easy or difficult?
     
     
     

3. Empathy in Everyday Life & Future Careers:

   • Beyond the workplace, where else is empathy important in our daily lives (e.g., family, friends, community)?
     
     
     
   • Thinking about our scenarios and role-plays, what did you learn about the difference between sympathy (feeling sorry for someone) and empathy (understanding and sharing their feelings)?
     
     
     
   • How do you think developing empathy now, as a student, will help you in your future, no matter what path you choose (e.g., in relationships, jobs, community involvement)?
     
     
     

4. Challenges of Empathy:

   • Are there times when it might be difficult to be empathetic? What makes it challenging?
     
     
     
   • How can we practice and grow our empathy skills, even when it's hard?
     
     
     

Game: Perspective Pursuit

Objective: To quickly practice recognizing and considering different perspectives in various situations.

Instructions:

1. Your teacher will present a series of short scenarios or statements.
2. For each scenario, your task is to identify and explain whose perspective might be important to consider, or what feelings someone in that situation might be experiencing.
3. Raise your hand to share your thoughts. The goal is to think quickly and empathetically!

Game Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A new student accidentally spills their entire lunch tray in the busy cafeteria.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 2: Your friend seems upset and suddenly cancels plans you made together, without much explanation.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 3: A classmate in your group project consistently talks over others and takes control of all decisions.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 4: A store clerk seems impatient and curt when you ask a question.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 5: A coach makes a difficult decision about who gets to play in the championship game.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 6 (Business Focus): A new company policy is announced that requires all employees to learn a complicated new software program.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 7 (Business Focus): A customer writes a scathing online review about a restaurant.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?
    
    
    

• Scenario 8: You see someone struggling to carry a heavy box up a flight of stairs.

  • Whose perspective(s) should we consider?