Sam Shoe Prints Worksheet Sam's Shoe Prints
Perspective Taking Activity
Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Name:
Date:
Step 1: The Evidence
Sam wasn't being Safe, Respectful, or Responsible. How did she show these parts of the bullying definition?
Mean on Purpose
Over & Over
Imbalance of Power
Step 2: Inside the Shoes
Sam's Footprint
What was Sam feeling on the inside that made her act "tough" on the outside?
Counselor's Tip:
Think about her father's words, her fear of being seen as "soft," and how she felt when Luisa was happy.
My Kindness Commitment
"When I see someone acting 'tough' like Sam, I can follow our 3 pillars by..."
I will choose to be Safe, Respectful, and Responsible.
Sam's New Path Series
Perspective Taking Activity
Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Sam Perspective Teacher Guide Sam's New Path Guide
Grade 3 • Counseling & SEL • Book: Tough (Frankel)
Objectives
Define bullying using: Mean, Purpose, Over & Over, and Power Imbalance.
Practice perspective-taking to understand internal motivations.
ASCA Standards
M 1. Balance of physical & mental health.
B-SS 2. Positive attitudes toward others.
B-SS 4. Demonstrate empathy for others.
Instructional Steps
SLIDE 1 Sam's Side of the Story
Counselor's Tip: Remind students of Luisa and Jayla. Ask, "We've seen the target and the bystander. Why is it important to see Sam's side too?"
SLIDE 2 The Bullying Check-In
Verify Sam's behavior against the school definition. Have students point to scenes in the book for:
Mean / Purpose
Over & Over
Power Gap
Hurtful Pattern
SLIDE 3 Inside Sam's Shoes
Discussion: Explore "Toughness." Sam acts tough because she's afraid of being called "soft."
"Understanding Sam doesn't mean we agree with what she did. It means we understand why she made those choices so we can help her make better ones."
Counselor's Tip: Remind students of Sam's father's advice ("Be tough"). How did that influence Sam's perspective?
SLIDE 4 Choosing a New Path
Celebrate the change in Sam's character. Ask: "What did Sam have to be brave enough to do at the end?" (Answer: Be kind/be herself).
Closure & Activity
Distribute the Sam Shoe Prints Worksheet.
Students will record specific evidence of bullying from the book in Step 1, draw or write about Sam's internal feelings in Step 2, and write their own kindness commitment.
Educational Counselor Resource
Sam's New Path Guide
Bullying Definition Worksheet Bullying Breakdown
Perspective Taking Activity
Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Name:
Date:
Our School's 3 Pillars
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
The Bullying Check
When someone misses a pillar, use this 4-point check to see if it is bullying:
Point 1
Mean
Point 2
On Purpose
Point 3
Repeated
Point 4
Power Gap
Write our school definition here...
Counselor's Tip:
Following our 3 pillars every day makes our classroom a place where everyone feels they belong!
How does being RESPONSIBLE help us stop bullying?
Sam's New Path Series • Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Sam Perspective Slides Sam's Story
Seeing Beyond the "Tough" Exterior
Our School Pillars: Safe, Respectful, Responsible
Perspective Power!
The Bullying Check-In
When someone misses a pillar, we check for these 4 points:
Mean
Hurtful words or actions.
On Purpose
Choosing to be mean on purpose.
Repeated
It happens over and over.
Power Gap
Making someone else feel small.
Counselor's Tip:
Use the 4-part check to identify bullying. Use the 3 Pillars to keep our school kind!
Walking in Sam's Shoes
Why is Sam "Tough"?
She thinks being kind makes her "soft" or weak.
She's worried about what other kids think of her.
Inside, she feels insecure and unsure.
Perspective Check
"Sam isn't just a 'bully.' She's a kid who is making tough choices because she's afraid to show her true self."
How does knowing Sam's feelings change how you see her actions?
Back to our Pillars!
Sam learns to be Safe, Respectful, and Responsible.
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
When we follow our pillars, we make our school a better place for everyone.
Sam Lesson Plan Sam's New Path Lesson Plan
Perspective Taking Activity
Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Total Time
30 MINS
Objectives
• Relate behavior to the 3 Pillars: Be Safe, Respectful, Responsible.
• Define bullying using the 4-part check (Mean, Purpose, Repeat, Power).
• Explain the "Inside vs. Outside" feelings of Sam.
Materials
Book: "Tough", Sam Perspective Slides, Bullying Breakdown Worksheet, Sam Shoe Prints Worksheet.
Lesson Timeline
02m
Intro & Pillars
Review school pillars: Safe, Respectful, Responsible . Slide 1 .
10m
Read Aloud & Definition
Read aloud. Use Slide 2 to define bullying (Mean, Purpose, Repeated, Power). Link to missed pillars.
Mean On Purpose Repeated Power Gap
08m
Walking in Sam's Shoes
Slide 3 . Focus on Sam's perspective as a girl. Discuss internal feelings vs. external actions.
10m
Activity & Closing
Worksheets and Slide 4 commitment. Focus on returning to the 3 Pillars.
Counselor Facilitation Notes
Counselor's Tip:
3 Pillars Integration
Ensure students can explain how Sam was NOT being safe (hurting feelings), respectful (using mean names), or responsible (choosing to follow bad advice).
Key Discussion Question
"How does following our pillars make it harder for bullying to happen in our classroom?"
Bullying Check
The 3 Pillars are our rules for everyone. The 4-part bullying check is for when someone is repeatedly failing to follow those rules with a specific target.
Series Conclusion
Students should leave knowing that everyone can choose to return to being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible, no matter their past choices.
Sam's New Path • Ms. Fishman, School Counselor
Lesson Plan: PERSPECTIVE TAKING