Heart Radar Slides
4th Grade SEL • 45-Minute Lesson
Ready to Launch
Heart Radar
Tuning in to other people's feelings and learning how to step into their shoes.
1. Spot Clues
Face, body, words
2. Switch Shoes
How would I feel?
3. Send Care
Words & actions
?
Warm-Up Mystery
Think-Pair-Share (3 mins)
What is happening here?
Maya walks into homeroom. She drops her backpack heavily on the floor, slumps down in her seat, stares at her desk, and lets out a long sigh without looking up.
Clue 1: Body Language
What does her slumped posture tell you?
Clue 2: The Sound
What feeling matches a heavy sigh?
Clue 3: Silence
Why didn't she say "Good morning"?
Key Insight: People speak volumes before saying a single word.
Concept Breakdown
What Exactly Is Empathy?
"Empathy is seeing with another person's eyes, listening with their ears, and feeling with their heart."
Sympathy (Standing On Dry Land)
"I feel sorry for you down in that hole."
Looking from the outside from a distance.
Empathy (Climbing In Together)
"I know what that feels like. You are not alone."
Stepping in to understand their feelings.
It is not about having all the answers—it is about making someone feel understood.
Our Superpower Formula
The 3-Step Heart Radar
1
TUNE IN
Look for hidden clues
- Facial expressions
- Body posture
- Tone of voice
"What is their body telling me?"
2
SWITCH SHOES
Imagine their world
- Pause my own view
- How would I feel?
- What might they need?
"If that were me right now..."
3
SEND CARE
Take caring action
- Comforting words
- Offer quiet help
- Stand with them
"How can I help you right now?"
Radar Formula: Notice Clues + Shift View + Choose Kindness
Case 1
The Cafeteria Crash
Class Analysis
The Scene: Marcus is walking across the busy lunchroom with his spaghetti tray. He slips on spilled water. His tray clatters loudly, sauce splatters everywhere, and several tables burst into laughter. Marcus freezes on his knees, his cheeks bright red, looking down.
1. The Clues
Cheeks burning red, staring at the floor, frozen body. He is completely mortified and overwhelmed.
2. In His Shoes
"Everyone is staring at me. I wish I could disappear. I hope nobody takes a picture or keeps laughing."
3. Empathy Action
Kneel down with napkins: "Happens to everyone, Marcus. Let me help you grab this."
Pitfall to Avoid: Pointing, laughing along, or shouting across the cafeteria to "fix" it.
Case 2
Left on the Sidelines
Class Analysis
The Scene: At recess, two captains are picking teams for kickball. Leo is the very last person left standing by the fence. The captain sighs and mumbles, "I guess you're on our team, Leo." Leo forces a small smile, kicks the dirt, and walks to right outfield.
1. The Clues
Fake smile, kicking dirt, head down, walking far out alone. He feels unwanted and embarrassed.
2. In His Shoes
"They only took me because they had to. Nobody thinks I'm good enough to be here."
3. Empathy Action
Jog out to outfield: "Hey Leo! Glad you're on our side. Back me up if it goes deep!"
Remember: A single welcoming voice can completely rewrite someone's day.
Partner Radar Challenge
8 Minutes Total (4 min each)
A
The Sharer
Choose ONE prompt to share:
- • A time I had to do something that made me really nervous...
- • A time someone made me feel welcome when I felt left out...
B
The Heart Radar
Your 3 radar steps:
Eye contact & quiet listening
Reflect: "It sounds like you felt..."
Care: "Thank you for sharing that with me."
Rule: Listen to understand, not to interrupt or compare stories. I will call "SWITCH" at 4 minutes!
Today's Mission
The Heart Radar Pledge
1. I will look for silent clues before I make assumptions.
2. I will pause and ask myself: "How would I feel in their shoes?"
3. I will choose kindness, even when nobody else is looking.
Exit Challenge: Complete your Heart Radar Scenario Sheet and hand it in before line-up!
Heart Radar Teacher Guide
Teacher Facilitation Guide • Minimal Prep
Heart Radar: Tuning Into Empathy
45 Minutes
Grade 4 • SEL / CASEL Focus
Prep Needed Under 3 Minutes
Project slides, hand out scenario sheets.
CASEL Alignment Social Awareness
Perspective-taking, empathizing, caring action.
Key Vocabulary Empathy vs. Sympathy
Nonverbal cues, perspective, allyship.
Lesson Objectives
Identify non-verbal emotional cues in peers (posture, facial expressions, tone).
Apply the 3-step Heart Radar process (Tune In, Switch Shoes, Send Care) to daily dilemmas.
45-Minute Lesson Pacing Arc
| Time | Segment | Slide & Student Focus |
|---|
| 0 - 7 min | 1. Hook & Mystery Mood | Slides 1–2: Maya's silent arrival; turn-and-talk observations. |
| 7 - 17 min | 2. Define & 3-Step Radar | Slides 3–4: Empathy vs sympathy, anchor the 3 steps. |
| 17 - 30 min | 3. Guided Case Studies | Slides 5–6: Cafeteria crash & kickball sideline; handout analysis. |
| 30 - 39 min | 4. Partner Radar Challenge | Slide 7: 4 min each side; active listening & reflection stems. |
| 39 - 45 min | 5. Pledge & Exit Ticket | Slide 8: Group pledge recitation; complete exit reflection. |
1 Phase 1: Hook & Mystery Mood (7 Mins) Slides 1 & 2
Teacher Script: "Before I say anything today, look at Slide 2. Maya walked in, dropped her bag, slumped, and sighed. Turn to your shoulder partner: without hearing Maya speak, what clues tell you how she's feeling?"
Key Insight: Empathy starts by noticing silent signals before making assumptions.
2 Phase 2: Direct Instruction & 3-Step Radar (10 Mins) Slides 3 & 4
Teacher Script: "Sympathy is saying 'Oh bummer, sorry for you' from across the room. Empathy is mentally stepping into their shoes and asking: 'If I were in their place right now, what would help me feel supported?'"
1. Tune In Scan face, posture, and voice tone.
2. Switch Shoes Imagine what they feel inside.
3. Send Care Offer words, physical help, or space.
Heart Radar Facilitation Guide • Grade 4 Page 1 of 2
Lesson Delivery Continued Phases 3 to 5 + Teacher Toolkit
Heart Radar Scenario Sheet
Grade 4 SEL Detective Log
Heart Radar: Scenario Sheet
Name:
Date:
1 Tune In (Spot Clues)
2 Switch Shoes (Feelings)
3 Send Care (Caring Action)
Scenario 1
The Cafeteria Crash
Whole-Class Practice
The Scene: Marcus slips on spilled water. His lunch tray clatters loudly, red sauce splatters his pants, and students at nearby tables giggle. Marcus freezes on his knees with burning red cheeks, staring at the floor.
1. Clues (Look & Listen)
2. Switch Shoes (Feelings)
3. Send Care (What to Say/Do)
Scenario 2
Left on the Sidelines
Partner or Solo Challenge
The Scene: At recess, captains pick kickball teams. Leo is the very last student standing against the fence. A captain sighs: "I guess you're with us, Leo." Leo forces a small, tight smile and walks silently way out to right field.
1. Clues (Look & Listen)
2. Switch Shoes (Feelings)
3. Send Care (What to Say/Do)
Heart Radar Exit Ticket Turn in at the door
How will you use your Heart Radar today? Describe one specific way you will look out for a classmate or friend:
I pledge to tune in and choose kindness.
Student Signature:
Heart Radar Student Log • 4th Grade Social-Emotional Learning Keep in your SEL Folder