Empathy Game

Topic: Empathy

Empowerment Lesson Video: Empathy

Supplies:

Career Girls Empathy Scenario Cards printable, one set per partner pair
Either precut these cards or ask students to cut them before beginning the activity.
Scissors (optional)

Video Discussion:

Explain that empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Ask students to think of a time that someone showed them empathy. Encourage students who wish to share to briefly tell their stories.

Tell students they will be watching the video titled Empathy. Explain that the video presents role models talking about empathy and its importance in everyday life.

Ask students to listen for the reasons that role models think empathy is important. Then view the video together.

Use some or all of the following questions to discuss the video content:

Think of someone you know that is a good example of empathy. What do they do to act this way? Do you think they have always been this empathetic or did something cause them to become like this?
Can a person be too empathetic? Why or why not?
How can empathy help you at school? At home? In your future career?
Think of a time in your life that you were empathetic. How did being empathetic make you feel? Is it easy to be empathetic? Why or why not?

Activity Instructions:

Students will practice empathy by exploring different situations and considering how they would feel in each one. They will also think about ways to show kindness and support to others experiencing those situations. This activity helps students develop a deeper understanding of others’ emotions and learn how small actions can make a big difference.

Today, you’ll read different situations and imagine how you would feel if you were in them. Then, you’ll think about ways to show empathy—whether it’s offering kind words, helping out, or just listening. By practicing empathy, you can make the world a more caring place!

Instructor Notes: Divide students into partner pairs. Distribute one set of Empathy Cards per pair. Following the activity, as time allows, have partners share their situation card responses with the class.

Take turns with your partner.
One at a time, draw a card from the deck, and read the situation aloud.
Answer the following questions for each card:
- How would you feel in this situation?
- How could you be empathetic towards a friend going through this situation? What would you say or do?
Be prepared to share your answers with the group.

*Adapted from www.momentsaday.com.