The purpose of this learning experience is to develop students' ability to listen deeply and understand the thoughts and feelings of others in their classroom community. Through engaging activities like a collaborative art mural and daily reflection circles, students will demonstrate empathy and enhance communication skills in interactive settings. This week-long project reinforces identity and belonging, promoting self-knowledge and critical-thinking as students meaningfully participate and contribute to a shared learning environment.
Learning goals
Students will develop skills to listen empathetically and understand others' perspectives, participating in dialogues that enhance communication and social skills. They will engage in creating a collaborative art project that symbolizes shared experiences and feelings, promoting community connectivity. Through daily reflections and contributions to a class empathy journal, students will exercise self-directed learning and critical thinking, enriching their sense of belonging and identity in their school environment.
Standards
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1 - Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.6 - Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1 - Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will collaboratively create a vibrant art mural, with each student contributing a piece illustrating a personal experience of empathy or understanding. Each student will also participate in developing a class empathy journal, filled with stories, drawings, and poems capturing moments of connection and insight. These products will be prominently displayed in the school hallways, serving as an ongoing celebration and reminder of empathy and understanding within their community.
Launch
Begin with 'Community Connection Day,' creating a hallway mural that features personal stories of empathy, drawn or painted by students. Encourage students to connect their stories using yarn, visually representing the network of empathy and understanding that binds them. This interactive and collaborative project will serve as a constant reminder of the class's interconnectedness and commitment to being empathetic collaborators.
Exhibition
Host a "Hallway Gallery Walk" where students display their collaborative art mural and class empathy journal prominently in the school’s hallways. Facilitate guided tours where students take turns acting as docents, explaining their contributions and stories to visiting families, school staff, and fellow students. This engaging experience will nurture a connected community and celebrate the students’ understanding of empathy.
