Developing Empathy
SEL Domain(s): Empathy
Grades: 6-8
*Lesson may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of students
Description:
Students complete an "Are You Empathetic?" self-check and discuss empathetic listening behaviors as a class, then pair up with character cards to role-play sharing a situation while their partner practices empathetic listening — maintaining eye contact, not interrupting, and asking follow-up questions — before switching roles and debriefing with specific feedback.
Materials
Are You Empathetic? self-check handout (one per student)
Someone Else’s Shoes character cards (one per student)
Pens or pencils
Whiteboard or chart paper for capturing class ideas
