Teacher Support Material

Walking in Others' Shoes Script

A facilitator's guide to the 30-minute empathy session.

30 Mins

Part 1: Introduction & Read-Aloud

10 Minutes

Action

Display Slide 1: Walk A Mile In Their Shoes?

Speak

"Good morning, everyone! Take a look at our big question for today: 'Walk A Mile In Their Shoes?' What do you think that means?" (Pause for student responses). "That's right, it's about trying to imagine what it's like to be someone else, to truly understand their experience. Why do you think that might be important?" (Allow a few student responses).

Action

Display Slide 2: What is Perspective?

Speak

"Today, we're going to talk about something called perspective. As you can see on the slide, your perspective is your point of view, how you see and understand something. Think of it like looking through a unique lens! Everyone has their own lens, shaped by their experiences, feelings, and what they know. Can anyone give me an example of how two people might have different perspectives on the same thing?"

Action

Hand out the Short Story Handout and read aloud.

Part 2: Identify Perspectives

5 Minutes

Action

Display Slide 3: Character Feelings & Perspective

Speak

"Alright, now that we've read 'The Case of the Missing Lunchbox,' let's think about our characters, Leo and Maya. Who are the main characters? (Wait for: Leo and Maya). Excellent!"

"Now, let's focus on Leo. Before he lost his lunchbox, how do you think he was feeling? (Wait for responses: excited, happy). And then, when he realized his lunchbox was gone, how did his feelings change?"

"What about Maya? How was she feeling at first? And how did her feelings change when she got the dinosaur lunchbox? Notice how Leo and Maya experienced very different feelings, even though Leo's forgotten lunchbox was part of both of their stories."

Part 3: Think-Pair-Share

10 Minutes

Action

Hand out the Think-Pair-Share Prompts.

Speak

"Now it's time to dive deeper into our characters' perspectives! First, you'll Think quietly by yourself. Spend about 3-4 minutes writing down some notes."

"Okay, now it's time to Pair up! Turn to a partner. Listen carefully to each other's ideas. You have about 5-6 minutes."

Part 4: Debrief & Conclusion

5 Minutes

Action

Display Slide 5: Reflection & Empathy

Speak

"Bring your attention back. Now, it's time to Share! What was something new you realized from 'walking in different shoes' today?"

"When we try to understand someone else's perspective, we are practicing empathy. Empathy means being able to understand and share the feelings of another. Keep practicing every day!"

"Great job today, everyone! You truly showed great thought and kindness."

Walk A Mile In Their Shoes

Walk A Mile In Their Shoes Lesson Plan

Perspective Lenses Slides

Short Story Handout

Think Pair Share Prompts

Walking in Others' Shoes Script

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