empathy LESSON RESOURCES
Empathy is our ability to see the world through other people's eyes — to see what they see, feel what they feel and experience things as they do. — Rikke Friis Dam and Teo Yu Siang
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Lesson Resources
Well Being Canada - Socio-Emotional Learning lessons
A collection of lessons that are easy to use, classroom-friendly and provides tools and activities to nurture the well-being of your students through exploring positive human qualities, deeper dives into brain development and mindful communication including specific lessons focused on empathy and compassion. The lessons target grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
Empathy Resources
A collection of resources to support teaching students about empathy.
Hunger 101
Before asking students to donate to food banks, help them understand the role of food banks and the causes of hunger in students’ communities.
Financial Literacy - Food Bank Fundraiser
Math literacy activities that can be easily adapted to any grade level.
Design Thinking with Empathy
Explicitly teach students how to listen and create with empathy using Stanford d.school’s resource Getting Started with Design Thinking. Use or adapt the activity Redesign the School Lunch Experience to design the perfect school bag for a classmate where students must develop good questions, have a conversation with a classmate, develop ideas, prototype a bag (use newspaper and tape), ask for feedback and iterate their design.
Teaching Podcasting: A Curriculum Guide for Educators
Interviewing others for a podcast or report requires listening with empathy. National Public Radio (NPR) provides the process and a series of lesson plans to ensure that students have the skills and background knowledge to record a podcast.
A Bicycle Built for Two
A collection of lessons and learning activities are designed to put students in the position of experiencing an ordinary challenge faced by thousands of workers around the world so that they might develop empathy and a desire to explore potential options.
Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers
Being an ally and taking action on racism and discrimination in any form is an act of empathy.
Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers was developed by IBPoC teachers with lived experiences of racism and discrimination, to help their colleagues learn about and take action on anti-racism education with their students. This guide will give teachers in British Columbia additional tools and strategies to include anti-racism education as part of their teaching practices and to help foster learning, address hatred, and celebrate diversity. The posters and supporting questions are excellent conversation starters.
Learning To Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course
While intended for adults, the online resource, Learning To Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course, can be adapted for younger students or used by older students to develop an understanding of what racism and anti-racism are and Progress in their learning journey towards being anti-racist.
A collection of lessons that are easy to use, classroom-friendly and provides tools and activities to nurture the well-being of your students through exploring positive human qualities, deeper dives into brain development and mindful communication including specific lessons focused on empathy and compassion. The lessons target grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
Empathy Resources
A collection of resources to support teaching students about empathy.
Hunger 101
Before asking students to donate to food banks, help them understand the role of food banks and the causes of hunger in students’ communities.
Financial Literacy - Food Bank Fundraiser
Math literacy activities that can be easily adapted to any grade level.
Design Thinking with Empathy
Explicitly teach students how to listen and create with empathy using Stanford d.school’s resource Getting Started with Design Thinking. Use or adapt the activity Redesign the School Lunch Experience to design the perfect school bag for a classmate where students must develop good questions, have a conversation with a classmate, develop ideas, prototype a bag (use newspaper and tape), ask for feedback and iterate their design.
Teaching Podcasting: A Curriculum Guide for Educators
Interviewing others for a podcast or report requires listening with empathy. National Public Radio (NPR) provides the process and a series of lesson plans to ensure that students have the skills and background knowledge to record a podcast.
A Bicycle Built for Two
A collection of lessons and learning activities are designed to put students in the position of experiencing an ordinary challenge faced by thousands of workers around the world so that they might develop empathy and a desire to explore potential options.
Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers
Being an ally and taking action on racism and discrimination in any form is an act of empathy.
Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers was developed by IBPoC teachers with lived experiences of racism and discrimination, to help their colleagues learn about and take action on anti-racism education with their students. This guide will give teachers in British Columbia additional tools and strategies to include anti-racism education as part of their teaching practices and to help foster learning, address hatred, and celebrate diversity. The posters and supporting questions are excellent conversation starters.
Learning To Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course
While intended for adults, the online resource, Learning To Be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course, can be adapted for younger students or used by older students to develop an understanding of what racism and anti-racism are and Progress in their learning journey towards being anti-racist.
Picture BOOKS
The following picture books can be used in any intermediate or middle years classroom to introduce, support and sustain, or as a final reflection. Everyone enjoys being read a picture book.
The Most Magnificent Thing is a fun read aloud for any grade that demonstrates the engineering design process, the importance of using a maker mindset, and designing with empathy to help a friend. Lesson resources PDF
Canadian!
Canadian!
The Verts by Ann Patchett, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, is a heartwarming story that explores the dynamics between introverted and extroverted siblings. As Ivan's birthday approaches, his extroverted sister Estie plans a grand celebration filled with friends and decorations. However, she soon realizes her brother's quiet nature prefers a simpler gathering. Through this journey, the book emphasizes the importance of honoring individual preferences and celebrating the unique qualities that make each person special.
40 pages.
40 pages.
In Nothing's Wrong! by Jory John, a rabbit named Anders insists everything is fine, but his friend Jeff senses otherwise. Despite Anders’s claims, Jeff notices signs that Anders might not be his usual self and struggles to support him. Through humor and lighthearted dialogue, the story illustrates the importance of friends checking in on each other and offers a gentle reminder about being there when others need support. It’s a delightful, funny read that teaches kids about empathy and the value of true friendship.
40 pages.
40 pages.
I am Human by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, shares that being human means we are full of possibility. We learn, we dream, we wonder at the world around us. But we also make mistakes and can feel fearful or sad.
20 pages.
Lesson activities from the author's website PDF
20 pages.
Lesson activities from the author's website PDF
Maddi’s Fridge written by Lois Brandt and illustrated by Vin Vogle explores the challanges of hunger, poverty, and compassion.
32 pages.
Activities on the publisher's site.
32 pages.
Activities on the publisher's site.
Chapter books
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon is a poignant and funny novel narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic boy who's world is turned upside down when his neighbour's dog is murdered.
Discussion questions PDF
Discussion questions PDF
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, sixth-grader Ally Nickerson struggles with dyslexia, making it difficult for her to read and write. Feeling isolated and misunderstood, she often uses humor and mischief to hide her difficulties. However, when her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her potential, he helps Ally see her challenges in a new light. With his support, and alongside new friends Keisha and Albert, Ally gains confidence and learns valuable lessons about self-acceptance, resilience, and friendship. This uplifting story highlights the power of empathy and the unique strengths that everyone possesses.
Educator's guide PDF
Educator's guide PDF
Wonder by R. J. Pacio is about August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.
Discussion guide PDF
Teaching ideas PDF
Discussion guide PDF
Teaching ideas PDF
Nevertheless, We Persisted is a collection of essays by diverse voices—including activists, athletes, and writers—who share personal stories about overcoming barriers related to race, gender, and identity. Each contributor reflects on moments of resilience, showing how persistence helped them defy societal expectations and find success. With essays from both well-known figures and youth activists, the book is a powerful testament to courage, empathy, and self-discovery.
Suitable for older students.
Suitable for older students.
