Empathy

A Little Empathy Goes a Long Way

Objective

Students will be able to:

• Understand what empathy means. 
• Learn to understand the feelings of others. 
• Think before reacting to someone. 
• Be aware that their words and actions can affect others. 
• Treat everyone with kindness and respect. 

Assembly Planning Checklist: To ensure that assembly is accessible to all students.

Assembly Planning Checklist

Roles and Responsibilities: Roles and responsibilities of various staff members for preparing for assembly sessions.

Roles and Responsibilities

Learning Outcome

Students will:

• Understand the feelings of others. 
• Show empathy through listening, helping, and caring. 
• Treat their classmates with kindness and respect. 
• Build stronger friendships. 

Assembly Structure:
Thought for the Day: “Empathy is paying attention to the person in pain.”

1. Opening

Good morning everyone.

Today, we are going to talk about Empathy.

• Empathy means understanding how another person feels.
• Sometimes, a friend may be sad, worried, or left out. 
• When we try to understand their feelings and show kindness, we are showing empathy.
• A small act of understanding can make someone feel better.
• Empathy begins when we listen, care, and try to understand others.
• Today, let us learn how we can be more caring and understanding towards the people around us.

Now, let us watch a short video to introduce today’s theme: Empathy.

2. Mindful Start

Short breathing activity followed by positive affirmation

• Let us sit quietly for a moment.
• Close your eyes gently. 
• Take a deep breath in. 
• Slowly breathe out. 
• Let us do this three times. 
• Think about one kind thing you can do today to help someone or make them feel happy. 
• Now slowly open your eyes. 

Positive Affirmation

• Let us say together:
• “I will be kind. I will try to understand others. I will help make our school a happy and caring place.”

3. Learn New ways to Talk

Feature “Words of the Week” in both spoken language and sign Language. Students are encouraged to implement the idea throughout the week.

1. One student says, “Be Understanding”, another student demonstrates it in sign language. All students try this.
2. One student says, “Be compassionate”, another student demonstrates it in sign language. All students try this.

Repeat a few times and allow the students to get the sign language perfectly. 

4. The Spotlight

Story on Empathy – The Crayon that broke
Video of the Story and Video with ISL are provided.

5. Gratitude moment

Let us take a quiet moment.

• Think of one person who understands and cares about you. 
• Silently say “Thank You” to that person in your heart. 
• Think of a time when someone listened to you when you needed help or support. 
• Remember how that made you feel. 
• Today, let us try to listen and care for someone else in the same way. 

6. Inclusive Prayer (Universal)

Let us Pray together (A teacher or student can lead and the children can follow)

May we be kind in our words.
May we care about the feelings of others.
May we listen when someone wants to talk.
May we help others whenever we can.
May we show kindness, respect, and understanding every day.
May we help make our school a happy place for all.
Thank you.

7. Recognition/Celebrations

Highlight:

• Student achievements
• Peer support

Downloadable – Badges, Acknowledgement Certificates …

8. Closing message

Today, we heard a story on empathy. 

• But empathy is not just something we talk about. 
• We show empathy when we listen, care, and understand others. 
• Let us help people at school who may need support. 
• Together, we can make our school a kind and welcoming place for everyone. 

Remember: A little understanding can make a big difference.

9. Reflections

Before we leave, let us think:

How can I show empathy to someone today?

Video: Introduction teaser – A little empathy goes a long way

ISL Video: Introduction teaser – A little empathy goes a long way

Story: The Crayon that Broke

Video: The Crayon that Broke

ISL Video: The Crayon that Broke

Audio: The Crayon that Broke (Story Narration)

Adaptations to address variability in an inclusive classroom

The variability of an inclusive environment needs to address the processing and attention differences among learners. An inclusive environment may include learners with visual impairments, hearing impairments, locomotor impairments and cognitive differences. Learners not only learn in different ways, but also possess unique motivations, interests, personalities and strengths. To address this variability, providing appropriate adaptations is an effective solution.

Adaptation and Strategies

Teacher Resource Document