An important aspect in developing empathy awareness in students is to teach them how to listen to others effectively. Model this by showing them three steps to better listening and practicing these steps while discussing a piece of literature read in class. For instance, ask what happened, then ask how the person is feeling, and finally ask what will I do. The final step is an action based on understanding what happened to another person and how that event made the person feel.
Have students choose a way to capture and convey the emotions of others. They may use a video camera or multimedia software. Have them create a short film, a collage, animation or slides demonstrating an emotion. When each student or team presents the multimedia project, have the class discuss how different elements brought out that emotion. Reasons for such emotions could also be discussed as a class.
Discuss with students different types of conflict they experience. You may need to jump-start the conversation with some ideas. Once a number of situations are discussed, break the class into teams. Have each team choose one type of social conflict to display through a short skit they write and act out for the rest of the class. Students may only come up with the problem part of the sketch. Then the rest of the class comes up with solutions for the actors to role play.
After discussing empathy, have students read biographies of famous people known for their empathy. You might want to write a list of possible candidates. Each student should write a report on someone they think should be awarded a star for empathy. Following this project, extend the lesson by having students think of someone they personally know who is empathetic and have the student fill out a special empathy award certificate to present to their special person. Consider having the empathy stars attend a special lunch at school to receive their award and hear why they were designated as an empathy star.