Module 8
Supernatural and Unknown: Expanding Empathy
Embedded Files
Brief Overview
Brief Overview
This module encourages children to explore empathy through supernatural and mysterious elements in stories, helping them connect with unfamiliar experiences and reflect on emotions beyond their own.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
The purpose of this unit is to explore the use of stories focusing on the supernatural to help the learners expand their empathy.
Key Concepts and Theories:
Key Concepts and Theories:
Guided reading (Reading the story aloud, pausing to ask how the ghost might feel).
Role play (Acting out the conversation between Theo and the ghost)
Journaling (Asking students to write a diary entry from the ghost’s point of view)
Short Educational Story:
Short Educational Story:
The ghost in the graveyard
The ghost in the graveyard
One autumn evening, a boy named Theo meets a ghost in a village graveyard. Instead of running, he listens to the ghost’s story of loneliness. Theo’s empathy transforms fear into connection, showing that even ghosts can feel forgotten and long for understanding.
Practical Strategies and Techniques
Practical Strategies and Techniques
Audio recording of “The Ghost in the Graveyard”.
Animated video segment on “How stories teach empathy”.
Soundscape” Graveyard ambience to support creative writing.
Interactive Activities
Interactive Activities
What emotions does the ghost experience?
Why did Theo choose to listen instead or run?
How can we show empathy to someone who feels invisible?
Reflection and Discussion
Reflection and Discussion
Before reading:
What do you think the word “supernatural” means?
Have you ever read or heard a story about a ghost or mysterious creature? How did it make you feel?
Can we feel empathy for someone – or something – we do not fully understand? Why or why not?
During reading:
How do you think Theo feels when the first sees the ghost?
What clues show us how the ghost is feeling?
If you were Theo, would you stay and listen to the ghost? Why or why not?
What do you think the ghost wants most in the story?
How does the setting (graveyard, twilight, mist) affect the mood of the story?
After reading:
Why do you think Theo chose to talk to the ghost instead of running away?
Have you ever felt invisible, like no one noticed your feelings? Hat helped you feel better?
What could we do if we meet someone who feels lonely, even if they act a little strange at first?
What did you learn about kindness or courage from this story?
Can a ghost story teach us something about being human? Why or why not?
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Article: ”The role of the supernatural in children’s emotional development”
Book: “Cicadas set up the dance and other tales”
Unit Summary
Unit Summary
This module explored how supernatural stories can deepen children’s capacity for empathy. Through encounters with ghosts, spirits, and mystical beings, children learn that feelings like sadness, fear and loneliness are universal – even in the unknown.
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