Lesson Plan

Walking in Their Shoes

Students will define empathy, analyze real-life scenarios to identify empathetic responses, practice empathy through role-play, and reflect on personal experiences to strengthen classroom connections.

Building empathy helps students understand classmates’ feelings, reduces conflict, and fosters a supportive classroom culture, essential for social-emotional growth.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Define Empathy

5 minutes

Step 2

Analyze Real-Life Scenarios

10 minutes

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

Step 4

Reflection & Closure

5 minutes

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Slide Deck

Empathy Scenarios

Use this opening slide to set expectations. Introduce the purpose: exploring empathy through real-life examples. Tell students they will define empathy and discuss scenarios.

What Is Empathy?

Ask students: “What does empathy mean?” Record their ideas aloud, then share the definition.

Scenario 1: A New Student

Present this scenario to the whole class. Have students turn and talk with a partner, then share answers.

Scenario 2: The Forgotten Book

Encourage groups to write down their ideas on a sticky note or whiteboard.

Scenario 3: The Teasing Joke

Remind students to listen to each other’s ideas respectfully.

Scenario 4: The Lost Pet

Ask students to think about times they felt upset and what helped them.

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Worksheet

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Activity

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Walking in Their Shoes

Amy Rich

Tier 1
For Districts
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