Compassion · Activity

Operation Respect

5th & 6th Grade

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Activity: An empathy exercise called “Cross the Line” 

 

Directions: Note: The best results from this activity occur after students have spent time together, near the end of the school year is best, so they feel safe enough to share. Take two days to do the activity. On Day #1, use the first “Cross the Line” list. On Day #2, use the second “Cross the Line” list. 

 

Secure a piece of masking tape across a floor, long enough so that all students can stand side by side.When students have assembled on the line explain that this activity is to (1) help us realize that we are all part of many different groups, and (2) help us understand that everyone has challenges that we often don’t know about and for which empathy and understanding is needed.

 

Announce the guidelines: 



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  • The activity will be conducted silently, only the teacher will be talking; no opinions or advice is given by students


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  • Show respect to people who are sharing information; Care must be shown to people who may be divulging personal experiences or feelings and do not gossip about what your classmates share 


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  • A statement is going to be read and if the statement or experience applies to you – that is, you have experienced it, you are to take 3 steps forward and stand on the other side of the line. Stop and notice how many people have the same experience as you and think about how they must have felt 


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  • When the teacher gives a signal, the individuals who crossed the line will return to their original places so the whole group stands together again


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  • The next statement is read, and the same process followed. It is important that students feel safe sharing – ensure that students know that if they do not feel comfortable crossing the line, they can stay exactly where they are.


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  • To encourage deep thinking about others’ feelings and experiences the teacher can pose questions after each statement without expectation of response, just a pause so everyone can think about what was said. Some examples may include: Think about:  (1) how it feels to cross the line, (2) how it feels to see your friends cross the line, (3) were you surprised that your friend/s had those feelings or experiences.




 

Cross the line #1: “Getting to know my classmates” : At the end of the activity ask students to share about anything new they learned about their classmates. 

 

Teacher: If this describes you, cross the line: 



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  • Your birthday is in the month of _______ (students cross the line when their month is announced) 


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  • The day of your birthday is this number _______


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  • You have brown hair (call out each hair color) 


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  • You have brown eyes (call our each eye color)


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  • Your favorite color is _______


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  • You have a brother


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  • You have a sister


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  • You speak another language


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  • You love sports


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  • You have a pet


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  • You love to draw




Teachers add anything that might apply to your class

 

Cross the line #2: Learning empathy for my classmates

Teacher: If you experienced this, cross the line:  



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  • Left out of group activities


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  • Were bullied 


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  • Made fun of because you are a girl


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  • Made fun of because you are a boy


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  • Made fun of because of your culture


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  • Were the target of bad language


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  • Judged or teased because of your skin color


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  • Have a disability


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  • Have a friend who was teased


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  • Felt ashamed at something you have done


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  • Observed someone being hurt but just stood by and watched


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  • Feel afraid of someone or something




Teachers may add statements that fit your students

 

At the end of each activity for Day #1 and Day #2, bring the students back to a whole group and guide them to comment on their personal experience. Remind them they are not commenting on anyone else, only on their own experience: 



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  •  What was the hardest part of the activity for you?


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  •  Did you learn anything new about yourself? 


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  • Did this activity change the way you think about your relationships with others? 


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  • Are there any behavior changes you want to make after learning about yourself and your attitude toward classmates? 


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  • Do you feel more empathy towards others? (no need to name names here, but generally speaking) 




 

Wrap it up: Explain: This activity is to teach us about compassion and empathy. Most importantly, you are to be congratulated for participating in this exercise. It took a lot of courage to let others know more about you, especially when you let your classmates learn about your struggles.  You may have felt that you’re the only one who has a particular problem. But when we did this exercise, you may have realized that you’re not alone. With this new awareness of each other, we can be more sensitive and helpful, less critical and judgmental. For anyone who has a unique challenge that nobody else has, you’re more likely to get some support now that others are aware of your situation. Remember that we pledged to not betray anyone’s trust by gossiping, so please respect that.
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