Courage, Kindness, Empathy

Overview

This 20-minute lesson introduces Year 2 students to the First Station of the Cross, focusing on themes of empathy, bravery, and kindness. Through a structured "I DO, WE DO, YOU DO" teaching approach, students will first observe the teacher's explanation, then participate in a guided class activity, and finally engage in an independent reflection task. The lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, emphasizing values, key competencies, and literacy development appropriate for Year 2.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the story and significance of the First Station of the Cross ("Jesus is condemned to death").
• Recognise and describe actions of empathy, bravery, and kindness in the story and in daily life.
• Express their feelings and ideas about the story through simple language.
• Participate in sharing and reflection activities, demonstrating emerging communication skills.

Curriculum Links

Values: Encouraging and modelling empathy, kindness, and integrity through understanding others' perspectives and acting ethically.
Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum pages 12-13):

• Relating to others – demonstrating empathy, understanding, and respect.
• Using language, symbols, and texts – expressing ideas and feelings clearly (linked with Year 2 English outcomes) .
  Learning area:
• Religious Education (local curriculum context) – exploring Christian stories, values, and personal responses.
• Linked literacy skills: oral language development, participating in discussions, and expressing ideas in full sentences .

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Materials

• A simple illustrated storybook or picture cards depicting the First Station of the Cross
• Large paper and markers
• Empathy, bravery, kindness word cards with pictures
• Student reflection sheets (with prompts or images for drawing)

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Lesson Plan

1. Introduction and Teacher Modelling (I DO) — 5 minutes

• Gather students in a circle for a storytime setting.
• Teacher tells the story of the First Station of the Cross in simple language: Jesus is judged unfairly but shows bravery and kindness despite feeling sad. Use picture cards or the book.
• Focus on the emotions: "How do you think Jesus felt?" "What brave things did he do?" "How did he show kindness?"
• Model empathy by relating the story to something students know, e.g., "Have you ever felt sad but tried to be brave like Jesus?"
• Use think-aloud to verbalise feelings and connections.

2. Guided Practice (WE DO) — 8 minutes

• Invite students to discuss in a guided conversation:
  • What is bravery? Kindness? Empathy? (Use simple definitions and word cards)
  • Can they think of times they or others have shown these?
• Create a "Bravery, Kindness, and Empathy" class chart on large paper, illustrating examples with student help.
• Role-play short scenarios related to the story and daily life where students practise being kind or brave. For example:
  • Standing up for a friend (empathy)
  • Helping someone who is sad (kindness)
  • Saying sorry when someone is hurt (bravery in apologies)
• Provide positive feedback and encourage children’s use of new vocabulary.

3. Independent Activity (YOU DO) — 6 minutes

• Hand out reflection sheets with simple prompts: a picture of Jesus from the First Station and space to draw or write (or dictate to teacher) their idea of how to be kind or brave.
• Students complete independently, demonstrating understanding of empathy, bravery, or kindness.
• Teachers circulate providing support, encouraging oral storytelling of their drawings if needed.

4. Assessment and Reflection — 1 minute

• Invite 3-4 students to share their drawings or ideas with the class.
• Assess participation during discussion and role-play for understanding of key concepts.
• Reflect on how students express feelings or ideas about kindness and bravery in the story and their own experiences.
• Provide gentle encouragement and affirmations.

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Teacher Notes

• Use clear, accessible vocabulary and model language structures aligned with Year 2 oral and expressive language capabilities .
• Be sensitive to diverse cultural backgrounds and personal experiences in expressing emotions and values.
• Connect learning to local context and whānau values where possible.
• Foster a safe, respectful classroom environment for sharing and empathy.

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Summary

This brief, interactive lesson introduces Year 2 students to a foundational Christian story of courage and kindness, supported by strategies to develop empathy and communication skills. It carefully follows the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh prioritising values, key competencies, and literacy development for this age group.

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References

• New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, Values and Key Competencies pages
• Te Mātaiaho English – Oral Language and Communication development, Year 2