Empatia en accion: Valores que transforman

All grades Project 6 weeks

Empatia en accion: Valores que transforman

Maria Teresa Molina Sala (Mate_Espiritual)

2A.4a

2B.4a

2B.4b

2A.4b

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to cultivate empathy, compassion, and solidarity among 9th-grade students by engaging them in hands-on, real-world activities that explore cultural diversity and socio-emotional growth. Through collaborative projects and community partnerships, students will deepen their understanding of different perspectives and develop meaningful relationships across social and cultural boundaries. This project aims to empower students to actively address community issues, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and appreciation for the diverse identities within their community.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project include developing students' ability to reflect on and appreciate diverse perspectives, enhancing their socio-emotional intelligence through role-playing and community engagement, and fostering meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries. Students will aim to understand and articulate the impact of empathy and compassion on their interactions and community involvement. Additionally, they will work collaboratively to create and present projects that demonstrate their growth in cultural understanding and empathy.

Standards

[New York] 2A.4a - Reflect on the similarities and differences between their own perspectives and the perspectives of others, including those from different identity groups.
[New York] 2B.4a - Recognize traits of a variety of cultures, including the dominant culture and their own culture, and understand how to negotiate their own identity in multiple spaces.
[New York] 2B.4b - Demonstrate ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with individuals from different social and cultural groups and speak up with courage when harm has occurred.
[New York] 2A.4b - Use their communication skills and respectful curiosity to better understand others’ feelings, perspectives, and life experiences.

Products

Students will create a 'Community Storybook' that compiles personal stories and reflections, showcasing diverse cultural experiences and empathy. They will design a 'Compassionate Connections Map' to visually trace the relationships and cultural exchanges formed during the project. Additionally, students will produce a 'Voices of Empathy' podcast series featuring interviews with community leaders and peers discussing empathy and cultural understanding. Finally, they will assemble a 'Solidarity Sculpture' using recycled materials to symbolize their collective journey of empathy and cultural appreciation.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Compassionate Connections Workshop' where students engage in interactive role-playing activities designed to practice empathy and understanding. Guided by an expert in social-emotional intelligence, students will explore scenarios that challenge them to consider diverse perspectives. This immersive experience sets the stage for deeper cultural exploration and prepares students for the upcoming 'Global Village Experience,' where they will further engage with community members to learn about and appreciate cultural diversity.

Exhibition

Students will host an 'Empathy and Compassion Fair,' showcasing their 'Compassion Campaign' projects through interactive booths that invite community members to engage in activities promoting understanding and solidarity. Additionally, a 'Global Connections Gallery Walk' will display students' 'Digital Empathy Journal' entries and multimedia presentations, allowing visitors to explore diverse perspectives and cultural insights gained. The event will feature an 'Empathy Film Festival,' screening short films or video diaries created by students, with community partners serving as guest speakers to discuss the importance of empathy and cultural understanding.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Compassionate Connections Workshop - Engage in interactive role-playing activities designed to practice empathy and understanding, guided by an expert in social-emotional intelligence (50 min)	Global Village Experience Introduction - Begin the 'Global Village Experience' by introducing cultural stations that students will explore in upcoming sessions, outlining expectations and goals (20 min) Reflection Journal Setup - Create a personal reflection journal where students will document their experiences and insights into empathy and compassion throughout the project (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A reflection journal entry from each student documenting their experiences and insights from the 'Compassionate Connections Workshop' and the 'Global Village Experience'.
Preparation	1. Invite a social-emotional intelligence expert to facilitate the 'Compassionate Connections Workshop'. 2. Arrange for community members from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in the 'Global Village Experience'. 3. Prepare cultural stations with traditional foods, artifacts, and informational materials for the 'Global Village Experience'. 4. Provide students with reflection journals for documenting their experiences and insights throughout the project.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Exploration of Cultural Stations - Students rotate through the 'Global Village Experience' stations, engaging with community members and sampling cultural elements to broaden their understanding of diverse perspectives (30 min) Reflection Circle - Gather in small groups to share insights from the cultural stations and discuss how these experiences influence their understanding of empathy and compassion (20 min)	Role-Playing Scenarios - Participate in guided role-playing activities focusing on empathy and communication skills to better understand different cultural perspectives (25 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Document personal experiences and thoughts from the role-playing activities, highlighting growth in empathy and cultural awareness (25 min)
Deliverables	1. A 'Digital Empathy Journal' entry that reflects on the week's activities and personal growth in empathy and cultural understanding. 2. A draft of the 'Community Storybook' with initial stories and reflections collected from peers and community members.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with community leaders to facilitate the 'Reflection Circle' and ensure their participation. 2. Invite an expert in social-emotional intelligence to guide the role-playing session, ensuring they have relevant scenarios prepared. 3. Gather recording equipment or materials for students to document stories and reflections for the 'Community Storybook'. 4. Ensure students have access to digital tools or platforms for documenting their 'Digital Empathy Journal' entries.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Cultural Storytelling Session - Invite community leaders to share personal stories that highlight diverse cultural practices and perspectives, encouraging students to listen actively and ask questions to deepen understanding (30 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Students document their reflections on the storytelling session, noting how the stories influenced their understanding of empathy and cultural diversity (20 min)	Empathy Role-Playing Workshop - Engage in role-playing scenarios designed to practice empathy and communication, with a focus on responding to cultural misunderstandings (30 min) Reflection Circle Discussion - Gather in small groups to discuss insights gained from the role-playing workshop and how it applies to real-life interactions (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completion of reflection journal entries documenting experiences from the 'Global Village Experience' and insights on empathy. 2. A written proposal for the 'Compassion Campaign' that outlines the community issue, diverse perspectives, and planned activities to address it.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with community leaders to arrange culturally themed stations for the 'Global Village Experience.' Ensure diverse representation and prepare materials needed for each station. 2. Gather ingredients and supplies for sampling traditional foods at the 'Global Village Experience.' 3. Provide students with reflection journals for documenting their experiences and insights. 4. Prepare resources and research materials to support students in developing their 'Compassion Campaign' proposals.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Cultural Exchange Workshop - Collaborate with community leaders to explore cultural practices and document these learnings in reflection journals (30 min) Reflection Circle - Gather to share insights from the Cultural Exchange Workshop and discuss how these experiences expand empathy and understanding (20 min)	Compassion Campaign Planning - Work in groups to identify a community issue and develop a plan to address it using empathy and compassion (25 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Document the planning process and personal reflections on how empathy guides the campaign development (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete reflection journal entries detailing experiences and insights from the 'Global Village Experience'. 2. Submit a draft outline of the 'Compassion Campaign' that includes objectives, strategies, and team roles.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with community partners to set up 'Global Village Experience' stations, ensuring a diversity of cultural representations. 2. Gather materials for cultural displays and traditional foods for the 'Global Village Experience'. 3. Provide multimedia resources, such as video cameras and editing software, for students to begin documenting their 'Compassion Campaign'. 4. Arrange meeting spaces and necessary materials for group work on the 'Compassion Campaign'.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Compassion Campaign Implementation - Execute the planned Compassion Campaign activities to address the identified community issue, ensuring active engagement and collaboration among students (30 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Document the experiences and outcomes of the Compassion Campaign, highlighting personal insights and growth in empathy and compassion (20 min)	Collaborative Art Project Workshop - Begin developing a collaborative art project that visually represents socio-emotional growth and cultural understanding, guided by community artists (30 min) Reflection Circle - Gather to share progress and discuss the impact of the art project on personal and collective understanding of empathy and cultural appreciation (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Reflection Journal Entry: Students will complete a detailed journal entry reflecting on the Reflection Circle discussion and their personal growth in empathy. 2. Compassion Campaign Plan: A finalized, detailed plan outlining the Compassion Campaign, including objectives, steps, and expected outcomes.
Preparation	1. Arrange for community leaders to participate in the Reflection Circle and provide their insights on cultural diversity and empathy. 2. Prepare role-playing scenarios that focus on empathy and understanding, ensuring they are age-appropriate and relevant. 3. Gather art supplies and materials needed for the collaborative art project, coordinating with art teachers and community partners. 4. Ensure all logistical details for the Compassion Campaign are addressed, including any permissions or materials needed.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Final Refinement Circle - Gather in groups to provide and receive feedback on Compassion Campaigns and art projects, using peer and teacher input to finalize presentations (30 min) Preparation for Exhibition - Organize and finalize all elements of the project for the upcoming exhibition, ensuring clarity in presentations and displays (20 min)	Empathy and Compassion Fair - Host the fair where students showcase their Compassion Campaign projects through interactive booths, engaging community members in empathy and understanding activities (30 min) Global Connections Gallery Walk - Display Digital Empathy Journal entries and multimedia presentations, inviting visitors to explore diverse perspectives and contribute reflections (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and present the 'Compassion Campaign' projects at the 'Empathy and Compassion Fair'. 2. Submit a final entry in the 'Digital Empathy Journal', summarizing students' overall reflections on the project.
Preparation	1. Arrange for the necessary equipment and space for the 'Empathy and Compassion Fair', including projectors, screens, and booths for displays. 2. Coordinate with community partners to confirm their participation and roles during the fair. 3. Prepare materials for the 'Reflection Circle', such as journals or reflection prompts to guide discussion. 4. Set up the venue for the 'Global Connections Gallery Walk' and ensure all digital presentations and multimedia are ready.