Empathy

Empathy is the ability to recognise another person’s feelings, and to respond accordingly and respectfully. This lesson explores the concept of empathy and assists students to understand another’s emotions in relation to your own. Empathy is important because it helps the student be resilient through developing strong and supportive relationships.

Year Level

7-10

Duration

60 minutes

Type

  • In class activity

SEL Competencies

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management
  • Social awareness
  • Relationship skills

Learning Intention

Students learn that empathy is the ability to recognise another person's feelings, and to respond accordingly and respectfully.

Key Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will understand that::

  • empathy requires acceptance that their emotions can differ from someone else’s emotions
  • empathy is a skill that can be practised
  • empathy is different from sympathy.
ACTIVITY 01

Charades: Kind of emotions 15 min

  1. In groups of three, students choose one emotion to act out in front of the class.
  2. Students guess what emotion is being acted out.
  3. Write a list of the emotions on the board. (This may be done before, during or after this activity.)