More Than Meets the Eye: Helping Children Explore Empathy & Identity
As counselors, educators, and caregivers, we know that children are so much more than what we see on the surface. Beneath every first impression lies a world of experiences, emotions, and untapped potential. Helping children develop self-esteem, empathy, and critical thinking is essential in fostering emotional intelligence and social awareness.
"More Than Meets the Eye" is a dynamic, engaging lesson plan or therapy activity designed to help children explore their identities while learning to appreciate the uniqueness of others. Through creative activities, students can develop self-awareness and empathy, enhancing their ability to connect with those around them.
What’s Included?
This resource includes four interactive activities that can be used as therapy interventions or lesson plans. They are adaptable for one-on-one sessions or group settings, making them ideal for classrooms and counseling environments.
1. Identity Portraits
Students create personal portraits showcasing both their visible traits and hidden qualities, encouraging self-reflection and self-expression.
2. Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes
A perspective-taking storytelling activity that challenges assumptions, helping children build empathy by imagining life from another person’s point of view.
3. The Iceberg of Me
This reflective art project helps students visualize the layers of their identity, exploring the "hidden depths" of who they are beyond the surface.
4. Judging a Book by Its Cover
A media analysis activity that examines how first impressions can be misleading, teaching children to think critically about assumptions and biases.
Aligned with BC Core Competencies
These activities support the BC Core Competencies, making them an excellent fit for educators and counselors working with school-age children:
✔ Personal & Social Awareness – Encourages self-reflection and appreciation of diversity.
✔ Communication – Develops listening and storytelling skills through meaningful discussions.
✔ Critical Thinking – Challenges students to analyze assumptions and biases.
Who Can Benefit?
This resource is perfect for teachers, homeschoolers, and counselors looking to foster kindness, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence in the classroom or therapy room.
A Ready-to-Use Digital Resource
Available as a digital download, this resource includes easy-to-follow instructions and discussion prompts, ensuring that facilitators can seamlessly implement each activity.
Empower the children you work with to see beyond appearances and celebrate the uniqueness in everyone. By fostering a deeper understanding of identity and empathy, we can help shape a more compassionate and inclusive world.
