In the bustling environment of middle school, it’s vital that students learn about empathy, compassion, and the importance of considering the feelings of others. Today’s post offers an enriching Thinking About Others Lesson and Discussion for early middle school teachers. This simple, no-prep activity is designed to help students reflect on their actions, understand diverse perspectives, and foster a more inclusive classroom community.

The Importance of Thinking About Others

During the transformative middle school years, students are becoming more self-aware and are also developing a deeper understanding of the world around them. Thus, it’s an optimal time to:

1. Encourage empathy and active listening.
2. Develop an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
3. Foster a sense of community where everyone feels valued and heard.

These crucial life skills not only enhance classroom dynamics but also prepare students for real-world challenges and interpersonal relationships.

Lesson Plan: Thinking About Others in Middle School

Objective:

Students will engage in a discussion to recognize the importance of considering others’ feelings, perspectives, and experiences, ultimately fostering a more inclusive mindset.

Materials Needed:

• Thinking About Others Lesson and Discussion PDF Activity
• Pens or pencils

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes)
   • Initiate a conversation about a time someone considered your feelings or when you thought about someone else’s feelings.
   • Discuss why it’s vital to think of others, not just in school, but in life.
2. Direct Instruction (5 minutes)
   • Introduce the Thinking About Others Lesson and Discussion PDF. Explain that it’s filled with question prompts to guide their thoughts and discussions.
   • Highlight the importance of being respectful during the activity.
3. Discussion Activity (10 minutes)
   • Distribute the PDFs and pens/pencils.
   • Allow students a few minutes to read through the questions and jot down their initial thoughts.
   • Facilitate a group discussion, using the questions as conversation starters.
4. Reflection (5 minutes)
   • Give students a chance to share any personal stories or experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing.
   • Encourage students to think about how they can practice being more thoughtful in their daily lives.
5. Closing (5 minutes)
   • Reiterate the significance of empathy and compassion in fostering strong relationships and building a supportive community.
   • Encourage students to apply the insights gained from the discussion in their daily interactions.

Tips for a Successful Discussion

• Safe Space: Reinforce the notion of the classroom as a judgment-free zone.
• Active Listening: Encourage students to listen actively, valuing each person’s contribution.
• Open-mindedness: Emphasize the importance of being open to different perspectives.

Conclusion

Teaching students about the importance of thinking about others is an invaluable lesson that extends far beyond the classroom. By utilizing our Thinking About Others Lesson and Discussion, early middle school teachers can easily introduce this concept and nurture a more empathetic and inclusive classroom environment.

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

Perspective Taking: Understanding Others’ Points of View