Empathy Skills for Learning
Definition: This helps you understand what others are feeling or going through.
Empathy
You are hanging out with your friend and you start arguing. Her face is getting red and her eyes are narrowing. Later in the conversation, she gets very quiet and starts looking down at the floor. What two emotions is she feeling?
Anger and Sadness
What would you do to make a new student more comfortable?
Examples include: Introduce yourself, offer to help them out if they are confused, invite them to join you in activities.
True or False: You should always communicate how you feel, even when it disagrees with someone else.
True! It is important to let people know how a situation is making you feel. This is a good way for people to better understand you and your needs/boundaries.
What is the most ordered food in America?
Fried chicken
Why is it important to show empathy to others?
To better understand people, and maintain good relationships.
One of your classmates gets called upon by the teacher, but he doesn't know the answer. He tries his best to answer, but notices that his classmates are laughing and snickering. What emotion(s) is he feeling?
Embarrassed, Ashamed, Worried
True or False: It is okay to talk badly about one of your friends even if you are talking to another one of your shared friends.
False! It is never okay to talk badly about someone.
Using harsh words to make sure the other person knows exactly how you feel.
This is an example of bad communication. You need to use kind words and think about how to respectfully share your feelings.
What is the longest river in the world?
The Nile
What are some ways that you can show someone that you are actively listening to what they are saying?
Some examples are: Maintain eye contact, do not interrupt them, ask questions, and repeat what they are saying to let them know you understand what they are telling you.
You meet a new student at school. You notice that they are very quiet and often sit by themself. They rarely answer questions and look very uncomfortable. How might this student be feeling? What could you do to support them?
Anxious, scared, nervous, worried, etc.
EX: Speak to them, invite them over, ask them about themself, tell them about the school, ect.
Your friend Sarah is absent from school because of her broken ankle. Your classmates start saying mean things about her. You join in with them because you don't want to feel left out. How can you practice being a good friend in this situation?
Standing up for Sarah, getting support, setting a boundary, etc.
True or False: To be a good communicator, you must also listen to what the other person is saying.
True! It is always important to actively listen to another person's thoughts and feelings when trying to express yours. It's a two-way street!
Who lives in a trashcan on Sesame Street?
Oscar the Grouch
What are some ways to disagree with someone, while still being respectful?
Actively listen to what they have to say, calmly tell them your perspective without getting upset at them. It's okay to disagree, but we need to respond appropriately to the people around us.
Your team has just lost kickball in gym class. The other team is cheering and celebrating, and you begin to notice that your body feels hot, your fists are clenched, and you want to yell.
What are you feeling and how can you get through this feeling?
Frustrated
Take deep breaths, go get water, distract yourself
Your friend is really stressed today, and is acting like she is mad at you. What should you do if you know that she is stressed?
You realize that stress can impact our mood, and that offering support can be helpful. You can offer to help her with her tasks, or help her use coping skills to calm down.
When someone does something that bothers you, what should you do?
You should talk to them about it as soon as you can, and why it upset you. They'll never know that it bothers you unless you tell them!
Are worker bees male or female?
Predicting feelings: Why is it important to try and predict how your words will affect someone?
You don't want to hurt other people"s feelings, so you should think about what you say to them first. If you say what first comes to your mind ("the first draft thought"), it could be based on high emotions and could come out as hurtful. It's important to think before we speak.
Your eyes are watering, heart is racing, and you're breathing quickly. You also notice that your stomach is in knots, you're overheating, and feel very uncomfortable in your body. You consider trying to run from the situation (flight), use aggressive words (fight), or shut down (freeze). What emotion is this?
Anxiety
True or False: A good friend will always agree with you.
False! If they always agreed with you, they probably aren't being completely truthful with you about how they really feel. Also, disagreements help you grow in a relationship, so we should welcome them.
When talking about how you feel with someone, you are only focused on why you're upset, and not thinking about what to do next. What kind of communication does this demonstrate? What could you try next?
Unhelpful communication - no one in this conversation is in the listening role. You should try to come up with a solution with this person, or a compromise.
How many noses does a slug have?
Four!