Back to Mind Explorers
This lesson helps children develop empathy, perspective-taking, and a sense of our shared humanity.
By imagining themselves in others’ shoes, children learn to look beyond surface-level differences and recognize the common human experience that connects us all.
This activity encourages children to be more understanding, compassionate, and open-minded in their interactions with others.
Hey there, young explorer!
Today, we're going on a special adventure called "Seeing Through Different Eyes."
We'll be using our imagination to step into other people's shoes and see the world from their perspective.
This will help us understand and appreciate the people around us better. Are you ready to give it a try?
1. Take the child for a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park.
2. As you walk, ask the child to pay attention to the people around them and imagine what it might be like to be in their place.
3. Encourage the child to select a person at random and imagine looking out through their eyes.
Prompt them with questions like:
“What do you think they might be thinking or feeling?”
“What might their life be like?” “How do you think they see the world?”
4. Next, ask the child to imagine that what’s looking out through the other person’s eyes is the same as what’s looking out through their own eyes.
Encourage them to consider that, even though people may look different on the outside, we all share the same inner experience of being alive and aware.
5. As you continue your walk, have the child repeat this exercise with different people they see, imagining themselves in others’ shoes and considering the shared human experience.
6. Finally, find a quiet spot to sit and discuss the child’s experience and insights.
To further explore the concept of empathy and seeing the world through others’ eyes, consider reading “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio with your child.
This novel tells the story of a boy with a facial deformity who enters mainstream school for the first time, and it explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and understanding from multiple perspectives.
The book encourages readers to consider how their actions and words affect others and to appreciate the unique challenges and experiences of those around them.
1. What is the main character’s name?
a) Auggie
b) Jack
c) Via
d) Summer
2. What condition does the main character have?
a) Blindness
b) Deafness
c) Facial difference
d) Autism
3. What grade is Auggie entering at the start of the book?
a) 3rd grade
b) 5th grade
c) 7th grade
d) 9th grade
4. Who is Mr. Tushman?
a) Auggie’s doctor
b) The school principal
c) Auggie’s father
d) A mean student
5. What is the name of Auggie’s sister?
a) Summer
b) Charlotte
c) Via
d) Miranda
6. Which character becomes Auggie’s first real friend at school?
a) Julian
b) Jack
c) Summer
d) Charlotte
7. What is the name of the school Auggie attends?
a) Beecher Prep
b) Wonder Academy
c) Palacio Middle School
d) Pullman Elementary
8. What is the school’s precept (motto) for September?
a) “Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle”
b) “Your deeds are your monuments”
c) “Fortune favors the bold”
d) “Kind words do not cost much”
9. What event happens on Halloween that upsets Auggie?
a) He doesn’t get any candy
b) He overhears Jack saying mean things about him
c) His costume rips
d) Julian scares him
10. What award does Auggie receive at the end of the school year?
a) Most Improved Student
b) Best Attendance
c) Henry Ward Beecher Medal
d) Most Courageous Student
1. a) Auggie
2. c) Facial difference
3. b) 5th grade
4. b) The school principal
5. c) Via
6. c) Summer
7. a) Beecher Prep
8. b) “Your deeds are your monuments”
9. b) He overhears Jack saying mean things about him
10. c) Henry Ward Beecher Medal
Verse 1:
Out on the street, faces passing by
Each with a story, a laugh, and a sigh
What if we could see through their eyes?
Their hopes and their dreams, their lows and their highs
Chorus:
Walk in their shoes, see what they see
We’re all different, yet connected, you and me
Look a little deeper, beyond what shows
In everyone’s heart, the same light glows
Verse 2:
That busy mom rushing, that old man’s slow pace
The kid on the swing with a smile on their face
Behind every pair of eyes, there’s a soul
Sharing this journey, this beautiful whole
(Chorus)
Bridge:
We may look different on the outside
But inside we’re all the same
Breathing, feeling, living life
In this big world’s grand game
(Chorus)
Outro:
So next time you’re out, take a moment to see
The world through their eyes, and you’ll finally be free
To understand others, and grow your own heart
We’re all in this together, each playing our part
Remember, at QMAK, we don’t just teach; we empower. We don’t just inform; we inspire. We don’t just question; we act. Become a Gold Member, and let’s unlock your child’s full potential, one question at a time.