Empathy Nearpod Making Connections

Title of Project: Empathy Nearpod - Making Connections

Schools and Teachers

East Islip Middle School Teacher: Pamela Solomon, Meredith Salijoski, and Stephanie Hauser

ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology

Transitioning, Expanding | Stand-Alone, Integrated ENL/ELA | 7R2/8R2, 7R7/8R7, 7SL4/8SL4 | Nearpod

Assessments

Formative & Summative:

  • Teachers keep ongoing checklists to monitor student progress. This is noted as a form of formative and summative assessments that will direct future learning goals.

  • Several student self-assessments are embedded throughout the lesson in the form of collaborative boards, reading comprehension questions and creating a flipgrid.

  • Additional methods of formative and summative assessments are given in the way of open-ended questions.

Description

The Nearpod was created to connect students with the theme of Empathy. Throughout their grade level novels (A Long Walk to Water- Grade 7 and To Kill a Mockingbird-Grade 8), the theme of empathy is conveyed to the reader. The Nearpod focuses on the meaning of empathy, as well as, a reflection for students creating a Flipgrid. Videos and excerpts from their novels are utilized to provide students with connected examples of empathy.

Content

I can reflect on the theme of empathy and relate it to my own experiences.

Language

I can explain the meaning of empathy using descriptive language and well developed, grammatical sentences.

Technology

I can effectively utilize Nearpod technology, Flipgrid and complete all activities.

Student work


East Islip School District - Solomon, Hauser, Salijoski -Empathy - Making Connections.pdf

Procedure

Students will be fully engaged throughout this lesson as the topic of empathy is embedded within the novels they are currently reading. Therefore, the work is relevant, engaging and will ultimately promote self-reflection. Nearpod is utilized as the platform in which the lesson is delivered. The lesson duration is estimated to be conducted over the course of three class periods. Students will have the opportunity to use their personal devices to participate throughout the lesson. Several scaffolds have been put into place to ensure all learners are engaged. Some examples include pictorial support and relatable/engaging videos that directly relate to the novels. In addition, higher order questioning is delivered in multiple formats.


Throughout the Nearpod, students are engaged in informative and relatable videos to acquire a better understanding of EMPATHY. Questions regarding empathy are embedded in the videos. Students will learn the definition of empathy. Next, students will watch an enactment of their peers to get a better perspective of empathy.


At this point the students will continue in the Nearpod according to their grade level. 7th graders will make connections to the novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, while 8th graders will make connections to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. In both cases students are asked to relate the meaning of empathy to the text as well as to think beyond the text. By the end of the lesson, students will have a strong understanding of empathy and they will be able to make positive connections in their own lives.

Resources and Other Materials

  • Nearpod

  • Flipgrid

  • YouTube

  • Grade level novels (A Long Walk to Water and To Kill a Mockingbird)

Reflection

This activity enabled co-teachers the ability to encourage students to self-reflect. Not only were students making connections to the text but it fosters a mindset where students are internalizing their own actions.