Lesson Plan

Exploring Empathy Lesson Plan

Students in a small group will define empathy and demonstrate understanding through collaborative scenarios and role‐play, strengthening their social‐emotional skills.

Small-group Tier 3 support leverages peer interaction and targeted guidance to deepen emotional awareness, boost confidence, and build stronger connections.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Small-Group Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Build Rapport & Define Empathy

5 minutes

Step 2

Guided Storytelling

10 minutes

Step 3

Emotion Vocabulary Drill

10 minutes

Step 4

Group Role-Play

15 minutes

Step 5

Reflection & Empathy Goals

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Exploring Empathy: Understanding and Sharing Others' Feelings

Welcome students and introduce the lesson topic. Explain that today we’ll explore empathy—what it means and how to practice it. Point out the calming gradient colors to set a positive tone.

Lesson Objectives

Read each objective aloud. Clarify any unfamiliar words. Emphasize how these skills will help build stronger friendships and communities.

What Is Empathy?

Ask students: “What does empathy mean?” Record responses. Then share the definition below. Highlight “understand” and “share.”

Scenario 1

Read Scenario 1 aloud. Pause to ask: “How might Sam feel? Why?” Encourage several students to share before moving on.

Scenario 2

Present Scenario 2. Ask students to imagine being new at school. Encourage them to describe what Jordan might see, hear, and feel.

Scenario 3

Share Scenario 3. Prompt discussion of loss and sadness. Ask: “What actions feel most comforting?”

Storytelling Activity

Explain the storytelling activity steps. Model one example if time allows. Remind students to write emotions and situations clearly.

Role-Play Instructions

Describe the role-play process and assign groups. Encourage students to speak clearly and listen carefully to each other.

Reflection Prompts

Lead students through each reflection prompt. Record key ideas on chart paper. Highlight surprising insights.

Closing & Next Steps

Summarize the lesson and encourage future practice. Remind students to turn in their worksheets and choose an empathy action.