How does Empathy affect our Relationships?

Title of Project: How does Empathy affect our Relationships?

Schools and Teachers

Wantagh Middle School Teacher: Keldya Volpi

ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology

Expanding | Stand-Alone | 6R7, 7R9, 7W2c | Nearpod, Canva

Assessments

Students were assessed throughout the activities as they were engaged in the discussions while sharing their experiences. Students also developed a Canva presentation in which they showed how diversity makes us stronger while empathy plays an important role in helping people understand and accept one another.

Description

The main purpose of this unit was to begin the conversation with students about acceptance and diversity. Students were able to understand and discuss how diversity is part of our lives in a variety of circumstances. Using Canva as a presentation tool, students were able to express their understanding of how our relationships are impacted by how we empathize with others, and how diversity makes us stronger.

Content

I can integrate information and develop a clear understanding of the topic discussed.

Language

I can make connections to other texts, ideas and cultural perspectives while sharing my personal experiences.

Technology

I can develop a multimedia presentation applying vocabulary learned while elaborating on my understanding of the topic at hand.

Procedure

I introduced the lesson with a question- What is diversity? We defined the word diversity together then began to discuss examples of diversity. We then watched a Pixar short video. Students then better understood the meaning of diversity and the lesson took on an engaging discussion on diversity, differences and acceptance.

As we discussed our differences and how it makes us diverse, students picked up on the vocabulary words: sympathy and empathy. I clarified how empathy is often used interchangeably with sympathy, however, they are not the same. I continued to scaffold the conversation as the students were engaged throughout the lesson. Students then shared their background knowledge and experience with diversity.

We then watched a Nearpod video- What is Empathy? This video served as a very useful resource as it explained and showed how empathy is different from sympathy.

We circled back to the first video on Purl and how at first it was difficult for her to adjust at her new job. However, once her co-workers got to know her better they realized how their differences made them better and stronger as a team.

Students were engaged and involved in their learning throughout this short unit. They were able to share experiences in which they felt empathy and some experiences in which they should have taken other peoples’ feelings into consideration. Students also enjoyed the videos as it scaffolded and clarified some of the questions they had. Students were able to understand how empathy can definitely have a positive impact on our relationships.

Resources and Other Materials

Intro of Lesson
- Purl | Pixar SparkShorts

Reflection

As I reflect on this lesson I can say that my students had a meaningful learning experience while they watched the videos and listened to other teens. This gave them an opportunity to reflect on themselves and how they’ve felt during certain situations.

The technology was certainly helpful as it guided students throughout the lesson to reinforce new vocabulary and the topics discussed. As a result of this unit I noticed my students have gotten more comfortable sharing their personal experience as they reflect on their actions and how they could've done better had they taken their time to be empathetic.

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