# Empathy Discussion Guide ## Purpose This guided discussion deepens students’ understanding of empathy by reflecting on their role-play experiences and connecting those insights to real-life situations. ## Discussion Guidelines - Listen actively and respectfully to each speaker. - Use "I statements" (e.g., "I noticed…", "I felt…") to share observations. - Speak one at a time and allow others to finish before responding. - Encourage classmates by acknowledging their contributions (e.g., "That’s a great point!").

## Discussion Prompts 1. **Notice & Describe** - Question: What emotions did you observe in the role-play scenarios? How did the actor show they understood another person’s feelings? - Follow-up: Can you point out a specific gesture, word, or tone that demonstrated empathy?

2. **Impact of Empathy** - Question: How do you think the empathetic response affected the person receiving it? What change did you see in their behavior or expression? - Follow-up: How might that shift in emotion influence their next actions?

3. **Personal Connection** - Question: Think of a time you felt someone really understood you. How did it compare to the scenarios we practiced today? - Follow-up: What made that experience memorable for you?

4. **Challenges & Solutions** - Question: What was the hardest part about showing empathy in your role-play? What strategies could help if you face that challenge again? - Follow-up: Which specific phrases or behaviors could you try next time?

## Reflection Prompts - How might you use the empathetic responses you practiced today in a real-life situation at school or home?

- Identify one small goal you have for practicing empathy this week. Describe how you will know you’ve met that goal.

## Closing & Next Steps Invite each student to share: - One key takeaway from today’s discussion. - Their personal empathy goal for the upcoming week. Collect a quick exit ticket (written or digital) where students note their goal and one action step. Provide feedback next session to reinforce progress. Materials referenced: - [Reflection Prompt Handout](#empathy-reflection-handout) - [Empathy Journal Template](#empathy-journal-template)

Julia Haimowitz

1 Lessons

Empathy in Action

Julia Haimowitz

1 Lessons

Empathy in Action