Lesson Plan

Practicing Perspective

Students will practice understanding others’ perspectives through guided discussion and role-playing, fostering empathy and kindness.

Developing perspective-taking skills boosts social awareness, strengthens relationships, and promotes a respectful classroom culture.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up

3 minutes

Step 2

Perspective Discussion

7 minutes

Step 3

Empathy Roleplays

12 minutes

Step 4

Reflection and Debrief

3 minutes

Slide Deck

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

Introduce empathy: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Explain that in this activity students will “step into someone else’s shoes” by imagining what others see, feel, and think. Set the tone for respectful discussion.

How to Practice Perspective-Taking

Walk through each bullet point. Stress the importance of listening with an open mind and noticing nonverbal cues. Encourage questions like “What might they be feeling right now?”

Scenario 1

Read the scenario aloud. Give students 1–2 minutes to think silently, then have them discuss in pairs. Circulate to prompt deeper thinking.

Scenario 1 Discussion Prompts

Encourage specific, actionable ideas: inviting Sam to join your group, offering to help with classwork, or simply saying hello. Highlight how small acts can make a big difference.

Scenario 2

Introduce the second scenario. Remind students to use the four steps: observe, ask, consider context, and respond with kindness.

Scenario 2 Discussion Prompts

Guide students toward respectful curiosity: open-ended questions, offering a listening ear, and giving space if needed. Emphasize honoring Mia’s feelings and privacy.

Reflection

Invite 2–3 students to share their reflections. Emphasize that empathy is a daily habit they can practice now. Close by encouraging them to notice and act on opportunities for kindness today.