Heart Connect Facilitation Guide
Heart Connect
Lesson Plan
This lesson introduces 5th graders to the concept of empathy through brief interactive activities. Students learn to understand and connect with others' feelings to foster an inclusive classroom environment.
Time
20 Minutes
Audience
5th Grade
Objective
Learn how to use empathy
Materials Needed
- Empathy Spark Cards (1 set per pair)
- Empathy Echoes Discussion Guide
Lesson Sequence
1
Introduction to Empathy (5 min)
Begin by asking students if they know what "empathy" means.
Define it simply: "The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person."
Share a relatable example: "Feeling sad when you see a friend is upset."
2
Empathy Spark Activity (10 min)
Distribute Scenario Cards to small groups or pairs.
Instruct students to read their scenario and discuss: 1) How would I feel? 2) How does the person in the scenario feel? 3) What could I do to help?
Circulate and listen to student perspectives.
3
Discussion and Reflection (5 min)
Gather the class and have groups share their scenarios and responses.
Use the Discussion Guide to wrap up the session and encourage daily practice.
Empathy Spark Cards Worksheet
Empathy Spark Cards
Cut along the dashed lines to create your discussion prompts.
Your friend is upset because they lost their favorite toy.
Scenario 01
A classmate is nervous about an upcoming test.
Scenario 02
Someone in your group is feeling left out during a game.
Scenario 03
Your sibling is sad because they miss a friend who moved away.
Scenario 04
Discussion Prompts for Students
- How might the person in this scenario be feeling? What are their "feelings words"?
- What is one thing you could say to show you understand?
- What is one action you could take to help them feel better?
Empathy Echoes Discussion Guide Resource
Empathy Echoes Discussion Guide
Use these prompts to guide a deep class-wide reflection on the power of understanding others.
Q
What does empathy mean to you?
Facilitator Tip: Encourage students to move beyond the textbook definition. Ask for specific synonyms or metaphors (like "walking in someone else's shoes").
Q
Why is it important to understand how others feel?
Facilitator Tip: Steer the conversation toward practical benefits: building stronger friendships, stopping conflicts before they start, and creating a safe space for everyone to learn.
Q
Can you think of a time when someone showed empathy towards you? How did it make you feel?
Facilitator Tip: Model vulnerability by sharing a brief story of your own. This helps students feel comfortable sharing their own personal reflections.
