The Empathy Framework promotes three dimensions of students’ empathy development: emotions, thoughts, and actions. Through Framework-aligned activities and virtual exchanges, students practice empathy toward themselves, others, and communities that are different from their own.
Connect with
YOURSELF
Connect with
EACH OTHER
Connect with
THE WORLD
Classroom Activities
In-class lessons to build an empathetic classroom community
Gratitude Nature Walk
Inspire wonder and gratitude during a community nature walk
AGES 5-14/45 MIN ACTIVITY
Reset Now
Introduce ten simple strategies to help students build self-regulation skills
AGES 11-18/30 MIN ACTIVITY
Through My Eyes
Invite students to create and “try on” different glasses representing their peers’ unique perspectives
AGES 11-14/30 MIN ACTIVITY
Empathy Truth or Dare
Spark empathy and excitement with a game of truth or dare! Students will answer questions and complete challenges to foster meaningful connections and a more compassionate classroom community
GRADES K-12/15-30 MIN ACTIVITY
My Identity Iceberg
Lead a fun classroom activity that invites students to share about the visible and invisible aspects of their identity
GRADES 6-8/20 MIN ACTIVITY
My Identity Wheel
Encourage students to complete an identity wheel to share about themselves
GRADES 9-12/15-20 MIN ACTIVITY
Zone Check-In
Introduce simple strategies that support students' wellbeing and resiliency
AGES 8-14/30 MIN ACTIVITY
Friendship Bingo
Practice and reinforce friendship-building skills in your own class
AGES 5-10/20 MIN ACTIVITY
Mission Spread Kindness
Invite students to participate in a kindness challenge and spread compassion across your school!
AGES 5-14/60 MIN ACTIVITY
Guardians of the Earth
Invite students to create an art project that inspires environmental action for a local landmark
AGES 11-18/60 MIN ACTIVITY
Cultural Identity Tree
Engage students in an art project that depicts different parts of their identity!
AGES 8-14/45 MIN ACTIVITY
Daily Practices
Short activities to develop daily empathy habits
Three Kind Wishes
Use this video to engage students in a guided mindfulness exercise to feel more connected to others
AGES 5-10/10 MIN ACTIVITY
The Thanks I Didn't Say
Take a moment to say "thank you" to someone who has helped you
AGES 5-10/20 MIN ACTIVITY
Just Because I Am
Students respond to a prompt that challenges others’ assumptions about their identity
AGES 11-18/15 MIN ACTIVITY
Chat and Connect
Encourage meaningful discussions with prompts that help students explore different perspectives
AGES 11-18/10 MIN ACTIVITY
Unhelpful Thoughts
Reflect on "unhelpful thoughts" and counteract them with a positive self-affirmation
AGES 15-18/10 MIN ACTIVITY
Art for Perspective Taking
Students draw different perspectives from a past disagreement.
AGES 8-14/20 MIN ACTIVITY
Gratitude Journaling Prompts
Invite students to reflect on positive aspects of their lives and cultivate a sense of gratitude
AGES 11-18/10 MIN ACTIVITY
How To Be Kind
What does it mean to be kind? Watch a video about practicing the three types of kindness!
AGES 5-10/5 MIN ACTIVITY
Developing Personal Resources
Students identify and draw "personal resources" that help them feel calm, strong, or joyful
AGES 5-10/10 MIN ACTIVITY
Grounding Like a Tree
A grounding exercise that cultivates feelings of peace and strength
AGES 5-10/10 MIN ACTIVITY
How To Make New Friends
Watch a video to learn about the five steps for making new friends!
AGES 5-10/5 MIN ACTIVITY
Videos
Watch these videos focused on empathy!
What is Empathy?
Watch this video to learn the definition of empathy, and how you can practice empathy
5 MIN ACTIVITY