Perspective-taking is a vital skill, especially in the diverse environments of high school. For special education students, understanding others’ viewpoints can enhance interpersonal relationships, improve communication, and foster inclusivity. This blog post will guide high school special education teachers through a “Perspective Taking” lesson. Dive into our Free High School Perspective Taking Material to facilitate rich discussions and foster empathy in your classroom.
The Value of Perspective Taking in High School
In the ever-evolving landscape of high school, students encounter diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences. Understanding perspective taking allows them to:
- Navigate social situations more effectively.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for diversity.
- Engage in constructive discussions and conflicts.
- Foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
For special education students, these skills are particularly essential, as they may face unique social challenges.
Lesson Plan: Perspective Taking in High School Special Education
Objective:
Students will be introduced to the concept of perspective taking and will use discussion prompts to understand different viewpoints based on given scenarios.
Materials Needed:
- Free High School Perspective Taking Material (Interactive Activity with Question Prompts)
- Smart Board, Laptop, or another source of technology
Procedure:
- Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin by asking students if they’ve ever misunderstood someone or felt misunderstood. Discuss the value of seeing things from another’s point of view.
- Briefly introduce the term “perspective taking.”
- Direct Instruction (5 minutes)
- Showcase the Free High School Perspective Taking Material. Explain that it presents scenarios where they will discuss potential thoughts of the individuals involved.
- Emphasize the importance of open-mindedness during the activity.
- Interactive Activity and Reflection (10 minutes)
- Distribute or display the scenarios from the provided material.
- For each scenario, allow students to discuss or jot down what they believe the individual might be thinking. Encourage them to consider different viewpoints.
- Facilitate group discussions, exploring various perspectives.
- Engage students in a conversation about the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints. How might perspective-taking benefit them in school and in life?
- Closing (5 minutes)
- Highlight the significance of empathy, open-mindedness, and communication.
- Encourage students to use perspective-taking in their daily interactions.
Tips for Effective Perspective Taking Discussions
- Be Inclusive: Ensure every student feels their perspective is valued.
- Promote Open-mindedness: Encourage students to be open to new ideas.
- Use Real-life Examples: Relatable scenarios make discussions more engaging.
Conclusion
Perspective taking is not just a skill for academic success; it’s a lifelong tool. By using the Free High School Perspective Taking Material, special education teachers can equip their students with the ability to empathize and communicate effectively, enriching their high school journey and beyond.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
Related Blog Posts:
Free Perspective Taking Material
Perspective Taking in Special Education: Enhancing Social-Emotional Learning
