Pri Values - Compassion & Empathy 5: Mackie (1/2)

Teacher notes

In this two-session storyworld, students meet Mackie, a young Jewish girl living in Los Angeles, and explore how her family blends tradition with inter-community care. The sessions explore compassion and empathy through the lens of holiday celebration, food, and quiet acts of solidarit - particularly the family’s support of a local Chinese restaurant, a tradition that has taken on new meaning in the wake of COVID-19. Students reflect on compassion as something expressed not only within families but across cultural lines, often when no one is watching. This story supports conversations about empathy, intercultural understanding, allyship, and how small everyday choices can reflect big-hearted values. 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) R32. About respecting the differences and similarities between people and recognising what they have in common R23. About people who are responsible for helping them stay safe and how to ask for help L8. About the benefits of living in a diverse community and valuing diversity H16. About how hobbies, family time, celebrations and shared traditions can support wellbeing R10. About how to show compassion and empathy, even to those we may not know personally. Citizenship (KS2) - To reflect on spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues and understand other people’s experiences - To appreciate the role of individuals and communities in supporting one another, especially in times of need (e.g., after Covid-19) - To explore how festivals and food can bring people and communities together - To understand how shared customs can build empathy across cultural and religious differences. Religious Education (KS2) - Learning about Jewish traditions and festivals such as Hanukkah. - Exploring how religious values promote compassion, generosity and kindness - Comparing different cultural and religious traditions and their meanings - Understanding how festivals reflect identity, belonging, and shared history. English (KS2) - Reading and responding to non-fiction texts about religious and cultural practices. - Discussing and articulating ideas clearly in group dialogue. - Developing listening and comprehension through film and spoken content. Design and Technology (KS2) – Cooking and Nutrition - To explore the cultural significance of food during festivals - To understand how food traditions vary around the world and why - To describe how food preparation connects to celebration and identity.