They Didn't Mean To - But It Still Hurt
TARGET:
6-8 years
INTENSITY:
20 min / 2x per week
LEARNING GOAL
Developing Emotional Awareness When Interacting with Others
PEDAGOGICAL INTENTION
Identifying My Emotions When Interacting with Others
Target SKILLS
Socio-emotional Intelligence
Co-Intelligence Human-Human
MATERIALS
Vignette cards
Impact/intent T-chart
DETAILED PROCEDURE
This activity works best one-on-one, or with one child at a time within a small group. Explain calmly to the child: "Something can hurt you even when no one meant to hurt you. Both things can be true."
Step 1
Use these vignettes: friend laughs at your mistake without realizing / someone shares your secret without knowing it was private.
Step 2
Invite the children to identify the emotion of the person who was hurt AND of the person who caused the hurt.
Step 3
Say gently to the child: "Intent and impact are both real. Understanding both helps you respond wisely."
Step 4
Role play: how do you tell someone their impact without attacking their intent?
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
PROGRESS INDICATORS
The child names the emotions of both parties in a misunderstanding.
The child distinguishes intent from impact verbally.
The child expresses hurt without accusation.