Unit Plan 15 (Grade 5 Counselor): Listening with Empathy and Maturity

Focus: Help students listen for both facts and feelings during conversations, disagreements, group work, and peer conflict. Students compare dismissive, defensive, and empathetic responses, then practice mature listening statements such as “I hear what you are saying,” “That sounds frustrating,” “I can see why you felt that way,” and “What would help now?”

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: School Counseling (Communication • Empathy • Cooperation)

Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This Grade 5 counseling lesson helps students understand that strong communication is not just about waiting for a turn to talk. Mature listeners pay attention to both the facts of what happened and the feelings underneath the words. This is especially important during peer conflict, group work, classroom conversations, and friendships because students often react to tone, assumptions, or embarrassment before they understand the other person’s point of view.

Students compare dismissive, defensive, and empathetic responses to realistic Grade 5 scenarios. They practice listening language that shows respect, maturity, attention, and cooperation. The goal is to help students respond in ways that calm conflict, support group success, and help others feel heard.

Essential Questions

• What does it mean to listen for both facts and feelings?
• How do dismissive, defensive, and empathetic responses affect conversations and conflicts?
• What does mature, respectful listening sound like during disagreement or group work?
• How can listening with empathy help students cooperate, lead, and stay ready to learn?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between listening for facts and listening for feelings in a conversation.
2. Identify examples of dismissive, defensive, and empathetic responses.
3. Practice respectful listening statements that show empathy, maturity, and connected responses.
4. Use active listening during peer, group, or classroom scenarios.
5. Explain how empathetic listening supports cooperation, group success, attention, and responsibility.
6. (Optional Session) Practice role-play conversations using mature listening, respectful responses, and group cooperation strategies.

Standards Alignment — Grade 5 (ASCA-based Custom)

• C:S3.5c — Communicate Respectfully with Peers and Adults
  • Use respectful language, active listening, assertive communication, and connected responses during conversations, disagreements, group work, and peer conflict.
  • Example: A student says, “I understand your idea, but I think we should include everyone before we decide.”
• C:S3.5b — Cooperate, Lead, and Contribute in Groups
  • Work cooperatively by sharing responsibilities, listening to ideas, accepting roles, encouraging others, and helping the group succeed.
  • Example: A student helps a group divide work fairly so that one person is not doing everything.
• C:S5.5a — Practice Organization, Attention, and Responsibility
  • Use school-success behaviors such as organizing materials, managing time, following directions, participating, completing tasks, and preparing for transitions.
  • Example: A student uses a planner, checklist, folder system, or routine to keep track of assignments and materials.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can listen for the facts of what happened and the feelings someone may have.
• I can tell the difference between a dismissive, defensive, and empathetic response.
• I can use respectful listening phrases during conversations or disagreements.
• I can show maturity by listening before reacting.
• I can explain how listening well helps groups, friendships, and learning.