Domain:
History & Culture
Competency:
Build empathy across differences
🎂
10-12 year olds
⏰
30 to 35 minutes min
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Learning Objective
Students will identify and describe how Johannes's perspective changes throughout the story to understand the importance of empathy and connection in diverse environments.
Learning Resource Synopsis
In 'The Eyes and the Impossible' by Dave Eggers, readers are introduced to Johannes, a spirited dog who lives freely in an urban park by the sea. Johannes serves as the Eyes, tasked with observing the park and reporting back to the wise elders, three ancient Bison. Alongside his friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—Johannes helps maintain the park's Equilibrium by watching over the animals and humans that share the space. The story takes a turn when more humans arrive, a new building is erected, and a boatload of goats appears, leading to a surprising discovery that shifts Johannes's understanding of his world. Illustrations by Shawn Harris accompany this tale of friendship, freedom, and the beauty of nature, encouraging readers to view their surroundings in a new light.
Extended Learning Resources
| Resource & Author | Publication Info | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Listening Walk | Scholastic, written by Paul Showers | This classic picture book encourages children to explore their surroundings by listening carefully, promoting the importance of perception and connection with nature. |
| The Curious Garden | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, written by Peter Brown | In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the impact of caring for their environment and how one person's actions can inspire change in their community. |
| Last Stop on Market Street | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, written by Matt de la Peña | This award-winning story highlights the beauty of diverse perspectives and the value of seeing the world through others' eyes, fostering empathy and community awareness. |
Vocabulary List
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | A particular attitude or way of viewing something; a point of view. | Johannes's perspective changes when he realizes the new building in the park isn't just a threat but also an opportunity to understand how humans interact with nature. |
| Equilibrium | A state of balance between different forces or elements. | Johannes and his friends work hard to maintain the park's equilibrium by ensuring that all creatures, both animals and humans, live harmoniously together. |
| Empathy | The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. | As Johannes observes the park, he learns empathy by putting himself in the shoes of both the animals and the humans, which helps him connect with the wider community. |
| Connection | A relationship or association between people, things, or ideas. | The friendship between Johannes and his diverse group of friends illustrates the power of connection in overcoming challenges and improving their community. |
| Freedom | The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. | Johannes values his freedom in the park, but he also learns that true freedom includes being responsible and considerate of others around him. |
Prompt
Essential Question: "How can understanding different perspectives help us connect with others and make our community a better place?"
Today, we're exploring how seeing through someone else's eyes can change the way we understand the world around us. We'll consider how our own perceptions shape our experiences and how empathy can bring us closer to others in our community.
Anticipatory Set
- Begin by asking students to close their eyes and imagine a place in nature that feels free and open to them. Encourage them to picture this space vividly, focusing on the sights, sounds, and feelings it evokes.
- Introduce a sound clip or image that represents a bustling park environment, such as birds chirping or leaves rustling. Invite students to listen or look closely and consider what different creatures might notice in this space.
- Ask students to share with a partner or small group: What did they imagine in their place? How might a different perspective—like that of an animal or a friend—see or experience this space differently?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to use descriptive language when sharing their imagined spaces, emphasizing sensory details.
- Create a supportive atmosphere where all perspectives are valued by actively listening and acknowledging each student's contribution.
- Use familiar classroom tools like a talking object to manage turn-taking and ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts.
Learn
In 'The Eyes and the Impossible' by Dave Eggers, we join Johannes, a spirited dog, as he navigates life in a vibrant urban park by the sea. This story invites us to explore how different perspectives can change our understanding of the world and deepen our connections with others.
Interactive Engagement
- As we read about Johannes's role as the Eyes of the park, think about the responsibilities he has. How do you think he feels about watching over the park and its inhabitants?
- When Johannes encounters the new building and the arrival of goats, how do you think these changes might affect his sense of freedom and equilibrium in the park?
- Johannes has a group of friends who are different animals. How does each friend contribute to the community of the park, and what might they teach Johannes about understanding others?
- Notice how Johannes reacts to the changes in the park. How does his perspective begin to shift as he observes these new developments?
- Think about a time when you had to adapt to a big change. How did that experience help you understand others better, similar to Johannes's journey?
Teacher Tips
- Pause periodically to allow students to reflect on their own experiences and how they relate to Johannes's story.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts with the class or in small groups, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
- Use visual aids, like images of the park or the animals, to help students visualize the setting and characters, making the story more relatable and engaging.
Ask
After reading about Johannes and his adventures in the park, let's take a moment to think about how seeing the world through different eyes can teach us about empathy and connection. Consider how these changes in perspective might help us relate to others and improve our own communities.
Discussion Questions
- Johannes starts to see the park differently as new changes happen. How do you think his feelings and thoughts about the park evolve, and what does this tell us about adapting to new situations?
- Think about a time when you had to look at something familiar from a new perspective. How did that change your understanding or feelings about it, similar to Johannes's experience with the park?
- Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for building a strong community. How can we use what Johannes learned to improve our own relationships and community connections?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to share personal experiences where their perspectives changed, fostering a discussion on personal growth and understanding.
- Create an inclusive environment by inviting quieter students to share their thoughts, perhaps by using a talking stick or another gentle method to ensure everyone has a voice.
- Guide the conversation to connect the story's themes to real-world situations, helping students recognize the value of empathy and diverse perspectives in daily life.
Navigate
Perspective Shift Journey: Through the Eyes of Johannes
This activity engages students in exploring the shifting perspectives of Johannes, the dog, as a metaphor for understanding empathy and connection. By immersing themselves in Johannes's evolving views, students will learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity of their environments and reflect on the importance of being open to change.
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Teacher Tips
- Encourage creativity in the use of materials and modes of expression to engage different learning styles.
- Allow students time to reflect individually on their own perspective shifts before sharing in groups.
- Emphasize the ongoing nature of perspective changes and their role in fostering empathy and connection.
Share
As we wrap up our exploration of 'The Eyes and the Impossible,' let's take a moment to reflect on how Johannes's journey helps us understand the importance of seeing the world through different perspectives. Think about the empathy and connections we've discovered and how these insights can strengthen our community.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways did Johannes's changing perspective help you think differently about empathy and connection? Share a moment in the story that impacted you and why.
- Reflect on how your understanding of the story's themes, like freedom and friendship, has deepened. How might these themes apply to your own life or community?
- Consider the emotions you felt while reading about Johannes's adventures. How can these feelings guide you in making your community a more connected place?
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to express their thoughts through a reflective journal entry or a small group discussion to ensure everyone has a voice.
- Create an opportunity for students to acknowledge and build on each other's ideas, fostering a sense of shared learning and community.
- Provide time for students to think individually before sharing, allowing them to form their own connections and insights.
UDL Strategies
Representation
- Use a variety of visual aids like digital storyboards and interactive mind maps on tablets or computers, allowing students to navigate through Johannes's perspective at different stages.
- Provide auditory support by offering access to an audiobook version of the story, incorporating sound effects to emphasize key moments, enhancing engagement for auditory learners.
- Introduce tactile elements by using a 'perspective box' with various objects Johannes might encounter, allowing students to physically handle items and discuss their significance to Johannes's changing views.
- Offer graphic organizers that break down the stages of Johannes's journey, with spaces for students to jot down their thoughts and reflections at each stage, supporting a structured understanding.
- Provide differentiated reading materials that include simplified summaries for those requiring more straightforward content and comprehensive guides for students ready for deeper analysis.
Action & Expression
- Facilitate a digital storytelling project where students create a short video or slide presentation from Johannes's perspective, using images, text, and voiceovers to convey their understanding.
- Provide art supplies for students to create a visual timeline of Johannes's perspective shifts, using drawings or mixed media to illustrate and environmental changes.
- Organize a 'Perspective Circle' where students gather to share verbal narratives or perform their skits, fostering a supportive environment for verbal expression and peer feedback.
- Encourage physical expression by having students create a series of tableaux or freeze frames that depict key moments in Johannes's journey, allowing for kinesthetic exploration.
- Utilize peer assessment where students evaluate one another's presentations and provide constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment and diverse assessment opportunities.
Engagement
- Kick off the activity with a role-playing game where students must navigate a maze as Johannes, encountering various scenarios that require empathy, to set the tone for the exploration of perspectives.
- Allow students to select a specific stage of Johannes's journey they feel most connected to, providing autonomy and fostering a personal connection with the material.
- Incorporate a point system where students can earn 'Empathy Points' for demonstrating understanding and creativity in their presentations, encouraging motivation and friendly competition.
- Create a 'Reflection Corner' in the classroom where students can go to think deeply about their own experiences of perspective shifts, either alone or with peers, promoting introspection and connection.
- Schedule regular 'Empathy Moments' where students share insights or reflections from their work, receiving feedback and encouragement from peers and teachers, maintaining engagement throughout the activity.
Assessment Criteria
Formative Assessment
- Conduct observation check-ins during group discussions to monitor students' engagement with Johannes's perspective. Look for their ability to express empathy by discussing Johannes's emotions and thoughts at different stages of the story. Note their use of language that reflects an understanding of diverse perspectives.
- Facilitate peer feedback sessions where students present their initial ideas to a partner. Encourage them to ask questions about how well their peer can convey Johannes's perspective and offer suggestions for deepening the impact of their representation. Look for evidence of thoughtful listening and constructive feedback.
- Use a concept mapping activity where students individually map out Johannes's changing perspective throughout the story. Observe how students link different stages of Johannes's journey to elements of empathy and connection, noting their ability to identify and articulate shifts in perspective.
Summative Assessment
- Organize a multimedia presentation showcase where students present their final projects. Assess the clarity and creativity of their representations of Johannes's perspective, evaluating their ability to incorporate diverse media forms to express empathy and connection. Look for presentations that effectively illustrate the evolution of Johannes's views.
- Have students complete a reflective journal entry or essay where they analyze how their understanding of empathy and perspective has changed through the activity. Evaluate their ability to connect Johannes's journey to their personal experiences or community, highlighting insights into the importance of diverse perspectives.
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