1. Guidance

  1. Download and read the Why do people forgive? – Instructions document.
  2. Read the learning outcomes and then scroll down to access the learning materials.
  3. Please note that the lesson plans should be delivered in sequence.

2. Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • explain why people choose to forgive others
  • describe the personal experiences of two individuals and their journeys towards forgiveness
  • explain how compassion and empathy can affect people’s actions
  • differentiate between cycles of revenge and forgiveness

Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: The impact of forgiveness

Lesson objectives:

  1. To be able to explain why people choose to forgive others.
  2. To be able to explain the personal experience of an individual and their journey towards forgiveness.

Key vocabulary:

  • condone, justification, forgive, contemplation, vengeance

Mary Foley’s story:

Click on the buttons below to download Lesson 1 documents:

Lesson 2: Can compassion for an offender influence your decision to forgive?

Lesson objectives:

    1. To be able to explain a personal experience of forgiveness.
    2. To be able to explain how empathy and compassion can influence people’s actions.

Key vocabulary:

  • empathy, compassion

Click on the buttons below to download Lesson 2 documents:

Lesson 3: A cycle of forgiveness

Lesson objectives:

    1. To be able to explain the key experiences of someone’s journey towards forgiveness.
    2. To be able to explain the cycles of forgiveness and revenge.

Key vocabulary:

  • remorse, empathy, pardon, revenge

Barry Mizen’s story:

Click on the buttons below to download Lesson 3 documents: