Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning Empathy | Point of View, Perspective, SEL

Stand In My Shoes: Kids Learning about Empathy by Bob Sornson explores the importance of empathy. Through this narrative, students learn to understand and appreciate the feelings of others, develop the ability to see the world from different perspectives, and cultivate compassion in their interactions with peers and the broader community.

This primary focus on this book companion is on fostering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through the theme of empathy, but it also focuses on point of view and perspective.

In my classroom, I typically kick off each Monday by sharing a story to introduce our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) theme. Subsequently, we center our morning meetings around that theme for the remainder of the week. If you wish to adopt a similar approach with this book, we have included discussion prompts for morning meetings and activities that can be seamlessly integrated throughout the week.

Alternatively, you also have the option to utilize this book as a standalone unit. While this unit emphasizes SEL connections, it also encompasses reading and writing connections.

This unit delves into learning about empathy, story elements, reading comprehension, point of view/perspective, and opinion writing.

FOCUS: empathy, story elements, opinion writing, morning meeting SEL discussions, point of view/perspective

Included in this unit:

• Notes to the Teacher
• Lesson Plans Overview
• Morning Meeting Guide for the Week
• Stand in My Shoes Empathy Lesson, Anchor Chart, Shoe Craft and Activity
• Activity #1 – Stand in My Shoes Read Aloud Link and Question Guide
• Activity #2 – Story Elements Map
• Activity #3 – Empathy Scenario Cards
• Activity #4 – Perspective Mini-Lesson and Writing Activity
• Follow-Up Meeting Guide
• EXTRA– Empathy Charades
• EXTRA – Shoes Color-by-Code
• EXTRA – Cootie Catcher Empathy Scenarios