Pri Values - Compassion & Empathy 4: Muhammed

Teacher notes

This is the fourth lesson in the Year of Values series, compassion and empathy unit. This story offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday life of Muhammed and his daughter Amina as they navigate love, grief, and connection over a shared meal. It’s a powerful entry point for exploring both compassion, through Muhammed’s gentle care, and empathy, by inviting students to imagine the emotions behind their conversation. Despite the simplicity of the setting, the story opens up rich discussions about family, emotional honesty, resilience, and the power of listening. Guidance: This session can be delivered from the front of the class or on student devices (if available). The lesson invites students to reflect, share, and journal on the value of respect, not as a fixed definition, but as a living, evolving part of how they show up for others. No prior Lyfta experience is necessary. For new users, see the 20-min ‘Rob in Cornwall’ introduction lesson or 45-min ‘How to Use Lyfta’ overview (links below*). Like ALL Lyfta storyworlds, these characters are unique. We don't share stories as being 'typical' or as 'single stories' of people or places. Suggested introduction for each session in Year of Values: Each week, we explore a real human story from a different part of the world, helping us connect more deeply with the values that guide how we live and relate to others. In this unit, we’re focusing on compassion and empathy - not as abstract words, but as feelings and actions that shape our relationships and communities. Rather than defining them once and for all, we’ll explore how they show up in real people’s lives. Together, we’ll practise noticing what others are feeling, imagining how we might respond with care, and reflecting on what kind of difference small acts of understanding can make. Through conversation and curiosity, we’ll grow our capacity to listen, connect, and care. **National Curriculum Links** PSHE / RSHE (Statutory 2020) H1. About what constitutes a healthy lifestyle, including mental wellbeing. H16. About strategies and behaviours that support mental health (e.g., spending time with loved ones, expressing emotions, cooking together). R1. About the roles different people play in our lives, and how they support our wellbeing. R8. To recognise shared characteristics of healthy family life, including commitment, care and time spent together. L4. About the importance of shared responsibilities in the home and wider world. Citizenship (KS2) To reflect on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues, using imagination to understand others’ experiences. To appreciate the diversity of individuals and families. To consider how food, culture and values shape daily life in different communities. English (KS2) To develop listening and discussion skills through exploring emotional and cultural narratives. To retrieve and summarise key messages and details from film and conversation. To engage in storytelling and draw connections between personal experiences and those of others. Design and Technology (KS2) – Cooking and Nutrition To understand where food comes from and how it is prepared in different cultures. To appreciate cooking as a life skill and form of cultural expression.