Beyond Skin Color Lesson Plan Beyond Skin Color
Individual Support Lesson Plan (Tier 3)
Duration 30 min
Learning Objective
Students will learn what racism is and understand why making fun of others based on skin color is hurtful, then demonstrate empathy by completing a worksheet and quiz.
Audience
3rd Grade
Individualized Intervention
Why This Matters
Building empathy and respect at an early age helps students value diversity, reduce bullying, and create a kinder, more inclusive classroom environment.
Preparation (5 min)
Print one copy of Racism and Empathy Worksheet
Print one copy of Beyond Skin Color Reading
Print one copy of Empathy Quiz
Instructional Sequence
5 min
Introduction
Greet the student and explain that today’s lesson is about understanding how teasing someone for their skin color can hurt people.
Ask: “What do you know about skin color and why it’s different for people?”Define Racism: Treating someone badly because of their skin color.
10 min
Reading & Discussion
Give the student the Beyond Skin Color Reading .
Read the short story together (or have the student read aloud).
Pause to ask: “How does the character feel when made fun of?” “Why is it important to treat everyone kindly?”
10 min
Worksheet Activity
Hand out the Racism and Empathy Worksheet .
Prompt the student to:
Draw a picture of someone being teased for skin color.
Write or dictate one way to show kindness instead.
Discuss their drawing and answers, reinforcing empathy.
5 min
Quiz & Reflection
Provide the Empathy Quiz for the student to circle or write answers.
Reflection: Ask the student to name one new thing they learned today.Encourage them to share how they’ll be kind to others regardless of skin color.
Beyond Skin Color Reading Passage A Story About Kindness
Beyond Skin Color
Lucas and Mia
Lucas loved to play soccer during recess. One sunny afternoon, some classmates started making fun of his dark brown skin. They called him mean names and laughed. Lucas felt a sharp ache in his chest and tears rolled down his cheeks. He ran away to sit alone under a tree, feeling sad and confused.
Just then, his friend Mia noticed Lucas was missing from their game. She found him under the tree and asked softly, “Lucas, are you okay?” Lucas shook his head and wiped his eyes. Mia asked what had happened, and Lucas whispered about the hurtful words. Mia frowned and walked back to the other kids.
Mia spoke up: “What you said hurt Lucas. Skin color doesn’t change who someone is—a good friend and a great player.” The classmates looked at each other and felt ashamed. One by one, they said, “I’m sorry.” Then they asked Lucas to rejoin their game. Lucas wiped his tears and gave a small smile. He kicked the ball, and everyone cheered together.
After the game, Mia and Lucas talked about kindness. They agreed that teasing someone because of their skin color is never okay. When we choose to understand and care about each other’s feelings, everyone feels happier and included.
Think & Talk
How did Lucas feel when the other kids were mean to him?
How did Mia show she was a good friend?
Beyond Skin Color Worksheet Racism and Empathy
Name: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
Directions: Read each question. Use the space below to draw or write your answer.
1 Draw a picture showing someone teasing another person because of their skin color. How do you think the person being teased feels?
2 Write one feeling word to describe how the person being teased might feel.
3 What could the person teasing say or do instead to be kind?
4 Why is it important to be kind to everyone, no matter their skin color?
5 Draw a heart around one way you promise to be kind to others. Then write your promise.
Great job showing empathy and kindness!
Feel free to share your drawings and ideas with your teacher or classmates to help everyone learn why respect for all skin colors matters.
Beyond Skin Color Quiz Empathy Quiz
Topic: Beyond Skin Color
Name: ________________________________
Date: ________________________________
1 What does the word racism mean?
Treating someone badly because of their skin color
Playing a game fairly
Asking questions about skin color
Saying nice words to someone
2 Which shows kindness to someone with a different skin color?
Making fun of their skin color
Laughing and teasing them
Inviting them to play with you
Ignoring them
3 How did Lucas feel when his classmates teased him?
4 Name one thing you can do to show kindness to someone who looks different than you. 
