Walk in My Shoes Teacher GuideWalk in My Shoes Empathy & Kindness Tier 1 Lesson 6th Grade • 30 Minutes Objective Students will understand and demonstrate empathy and kindness by reflecting on real-life scenarios, discussing feelings with peers, and creating a personal kindness action plan. Approach Reflect, discuss, and plan real-life empathy actions through collaborative inquiry and structured planning. Preparation & Materials Checklist (15 Min): Review scenario cards, journals, and action plans. Print Scenario Cards & Reflection Journals for each student. Prepare chart paper and markers for group work. Arrange desks for partner and small-group flow. Required Tools: Scenario Cards Reflection Journals Action Plan Worksheets Chart Paper Markers Timer Instructional Sequence 5m 1. Intro to Empathy & Kindness Define: Empathy (understanding feelings) vs Kindness (acting to help). Hook: "Think of a time you felt misunderstood—what helped you feel better?" Model: Select one Scenario Card and model the reflection process aloud. Differentiation: Provide sentence stems ("I feel ___ when ___ because ___"). 10m 2. Think-Pair-Share Scenarios Students pick a Scenario Card and individually write feelings/responses in their Reflection Journal. Pair up to share reflections and discuss alternative perspectives. Teacher prompts: "Why might they feel this way?" Differentiation: Pair ELL/struggling students with supportive peers. 5m 3. Small-Group Theme Charting Groups of 3-4 compare scenarios and journal notes. Record common feelings and kind actions on chart paper. Post charts for a quick Gallery Walk around the room. 7m 4. Kindness Action Plan Introduce the Action Plan Worksheet for a real-world commitment this week. Complete fields: Who, What, When, and Why. Formative Assessment: Review plans for feasibility and depth. 3m 5. Closing & Exit Ticket Volunteers share their kindness plans. Exit Ticket: "In one sentence, explain how empathy can change someone's day." Encourage follow-through: "Look for your opportunity this week!" "Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another." — Alfred Adler
Walk in My Shoes SlidesWalk in My Shoes Empathy & Kindness • 6th Grade SEL Tier 1 Lesson • 30 Minutes Today's Journey Objectives Understand what empathy is Recognize kindness in action Create a personal kindness plan Agenda 1. Intro & Definitions 5 min 2. Think-Pair-Share 10 min 3. Small-Group Charting 5 min 4. Kindness Action Plan 7 min 5. Exit Ticket 3 min What Is Empathy? Empathy means understanding and sharing someone else’s feelings. "I 'walk in their shoes' by imagining how I would feel in their situation." Sad Happy Confused What Is Kindness? Kindness is taking action to help or support others. A Word A Gesture An Action Think-Pair-Share 1 Pick an Empathy Scenario Card. 2 In your Reflection Journal, write: How does the person feel? What kind response could help? 3 Pair up and share your reflections. Model Example "I see a student sitting alone..." Charting & Gallery Walk Group Work Work in groups of 3–4. List Common Feelings and Kind Actions. Post charts around the room. Gallery Walk Walk quietly, read other groups' ideas, and look for "kindness themes" that repeat! Kindness Action Plan Answer these 4 questions on your worksheet: What? What will you do? Who? Who will you help? When? When will you do it? Why? Why does it matter? The Last Step Exit Ticket "In one sentence, explain how empathy can change someone’s day." Next Steps Carry out your Kindness Action Plan this week! See you out there making a difference!
Empathy Scenario CardsEmpathy Scenario Cards Pick a card and step into someone else's world. What do you see? How do you help? How to use these cards: For your chosen scenario, imagine how the person is feeling. Think about what they might be thinking or why they are in that situation. Then, use your Reflection Journal to record your thoughts and plan a kind response. Scenario 1 You see a new student standing alone during recess who looks sad. What is your first move? Scenario 2 A classmate accidentally drops their books in the hallway, and pages fly everywhere. How can you help? Scenario 3 You overhear a friend making fun of someone for being "different." Stand up or speak up? Scenario 4 Your partner in a group project seems frustrated and hasn’t contributed yet. What's the real story? Scenario 5 You notice a classmate crying quietly in the bathroom stall. Presence over words? Scenario 6 A student is being teased because of what they’re wearing. How can you change the vibe? Walk in My Shoes Empathy Activity • Grade 6
Empathy Reflection JournalEmpathy Journal Reflecting on another's journey... Name: Date: Scenario Title or Number: 1 Briefly describe what is happening in your scenario. 2 How do you think the person in the scenario feels? Explain your reasoning. 3 What kind words or actions could you use to show empathy and support? 4 Why do you think these words or actions would help them? 5 Imagine you offered help—how might you feel afterward? What lesson about empathy or kindness will you take from this scenario? Reflection is the first step toward action.
Kindness Action Plan WorksheetKindness Action Plan Turn your empathy into action. Name: Date: The Mission 1. What is the kindness action you will take? 2. Who will you help? 3. When and where will you do it? The "Why" Why is this action important? Explain how it could help the person. What materials or support will you need? (e.g., markers, a friend's help, teacher permission) Looking Forward How will you know if your kindness made a difference? What specific outcomes will you look for? Post-Action Reflection To be completed after your act of kindness How did you feel before, during, and after the action? What did you learn about empathy and kindness from this experience? Kindness is a superpower.
