Practicing Empathy

At a Glance:

Grades:	4, 5
Subject:	SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)
Topic:	Empathy
Lesson Length:	30 - 45 mins

Standards / Framework:

Students will practice showing empathy in different comic scenarios.

Students should know the definition of empathy.

Draw a brainstorm web on the board with the word empathy in the center.
In small groups, brainstorm adjectives or examples of what being empathetic looks like, e.g., being kind, gentle, compassionate, helpful, good listener, patience, perspective, no judgment, talk it out, console, comfort, encourage.
Explain the many ways we can help when we know someone is having a challenging time. We can share encouragement and sympathy with our words and actions.
Ask students to share things they can say to show empathy:
- “Thank you for trusting me with this. I’m here for you.”
- “It makes me really sad to hear this happened to you.”
- “I am here for you. You are very brave.”
- “I am happy to listen to you any time.”
- “What do you need right now?”
Explain how being empathetic towards others is important because it keeps our school feeling safe for all.

Using the sample comic as a guide, create a comic showing characters acting empathetic in different dilemmas.
- Panel 1: Introduce the situation.
- Panel 2: Show the character acting empathetic in that situation.

Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
Provide visuals as needed.
Provide preselected dilemmas for students to choose from, e.g., being the new kid, spilling milk on yourself at lunch, a person being bullied.
Allow students to work with a peer model.
Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.

Comic to print or display: Comic.
Suggested Readings:
- Come With Me by Holly McGhee.
- Pass it On by Sophy Henn.
- We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio.
Brainstorm web worksheets.