Connection Facilitator Guide
Connection Facilitator Guide
Empathy Circle Lesson Plan
Time: 45 Minutes
Audience: 11th Grade
Objective: Community Building
Why This Matters
In this lesson, students will participate in an empathy circle where they will share personal experiences and listen actively to one another. This exercise aims to build a supportive classroom community by fostering empathy and understanding. By engaging in this activity, students will enhance their listening skills, develop empathy, and contribute to a positive classroom environment.
Materials Needed
- Shared Stories Guide (Discussion Guide)
- Inner Echo Worksheet (Reflection)
- Post-it Notes & Pens
- Safe Space Slides (Presentation)
Preparation
- Arrange desks in a large circle or clear a space for a seated circle on the floor.
- Print one Shared Stories Guide and one Inner Echo Worksheet per student.
- Ensure the projector is ready for the Safe Space Slides.
Lesson Sequence
Min 10
Introduction to Empathy
- Begin with a brief discussion on what empathy means and its importance in building a supportive community.
- Share examples of empathetic behavior and how it can positively impact relationships.
- Explain the purpose of the empathy circle and the role of active listening.
Min 05
Circle Guidelines
- Distribute the **Shared Stories Guide** to each student.
- Review the guidelines for the empathy circle, emphasizing **respect, confidentiality, and active listening**.
- Assign roles if necessary (e.g., timekeeper to manage sharing intervals).
Min 20
Empathy Circle Activity
- Arrange students in a circle and invite them to share personal experiences or feelings using the guide's prompts.
- Encourage students to listen actively and refrain from interrupting or offering advice.
- Allow each student a set amount of time (approx. 1-2 minutes) to speak, ensuring everyone has a chance.
Min 10
Reflection and Closure
- Distribute the **Inner Echo Worksheet** to each student.
- Ask students to reflect on their experience and write down their thoughts silently.
- Facilitate a brief whole-group discussion on key takeaways.
- Conclude with a reminder that empathy is a daily practice.
Shared Stories Guide
Shared Stories Guide
Discussion Prompts & Circle Norms
Name: ___________________________
Date: ____________________________
Our Circle Norms
Respect
Value every voice. Use "I" statements and honor diverse perspectives.
Privacy
What is shared in the circle stays in the circle. Build trust through safety.
Focus
Listen with your whole heart. No interruptions, phones, or side-talk.
1 What does empathy mean to you?
Think about personal definitions or examples of empathy you've witnessed.
2 How can empathy improve our classroom environment?
Discuss the benefits of empathy in creating a supportive and inclusive classroom.
3 What are some challenges you face when trying to be empathetic?
Explore common obstacles to empathy and how they can be overcome.
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
Inner Echo Worksheet
Inner Echo Worksheet
Reflecting on the Empathy Circle
Student Name
Date
Take a few moments of silence to process the stories you heard and the feelings you shared. Reflection is where empathy turns into lasting understanding. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses below.
What did you learn about yourself during the empathy circle?
How did it feel to share your experiences with others?
What did you learn about your classmates?
How can you apply empathy in your daily life?
Building Community • One Story At A Time
Safe Space Slides
Safe Space Circle
Building empathy and community through shared stories.
11th Grade • Classroom Community
What is Empathy?
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."
Quick Discussion:
- How do you define empathy in your own words?
- When has someone shown you empathy recently?
Circle Norms
Creating a container for safety and trust.
Privacy
What is shared here, stays here. We protect each other's stories.
Respect
Use "I" statements. Honor every perspective without judgment.
Focus
Listen with your whole presence. No side-talk or interruptions.
Preparing to Share
Refer to your Shared Stories Guide. Take a moment to jot down thoughts for these prompts:
1
What does empathy mean to you?
2
How can empathy improve our classroom?
3
What makes empathy challenging for you?
The Empathy Circle
Share from the heart. Listen with intention.
Speaker
Share your thoughts for 1-2 minutes. Be open and authentic.
Listeners
Give your full attention. Hold the space in silence.
Inner Echo
The circle has closed, but the resonance continues. Please use the Inner Echo Worksheet to reflect on:
- What you learned about yourself
- How it felt to be heard
- New insights about your peers
Quiet reflection time...
Thank you for sharing.
Empathy isn't just an activity; it's a practice we carry into the halls, the cafeteria, and our lives every single day.
Kindness
Connection
Growth
