Lesson Plan
Empathy Lesson Plan
Over five 30-minute sessions, students will learn to recognize and name emotions in themselves and others, practice active listening and perspective-taking, and respond with kindness and support.
Building empathy helps first graders develop strong social skills, fosters a caring classroom community, and reduces conflicts by teaching children to understand and respond to others’ feelings.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Prepare and Review Materials
15 minutes
Step 1
Day 1: Recognizing Emotions
30 minutes
Step 2
Day 2: Active Listening
30 minutes
Step 3
Day 3: Perspective-Taking
30 minutes
Step 4
Day 4: Role-Play Empathy
30 minutes
Step 5
Day 5: Reflection and Celebration
30 minutes

Slide Deck
Walking in Their Shoes
Unit Overview
Day 1: Recognizing Emotions
Day 2: Active Listening
Day 3: Perspective-Taking
Day 4: Role-Play Empathy
Day 5: Reflection & Celebration

Worksheet


Activity


Journal

