Empathy & Perspective
What does it mean to "take someone else's perspective"?
Taking someone else’s perspective = trying to understand how another person thinks or feels.
Give one example of an "expected behavior" at school during a lesson
Listening quietly
Raising hand
Following directions
Staying on task
Give one example of an "unexpected behavior" in a classroom
Calling out
Running in class
Loud noises
Throwing objects
After reading a short message from a classmate who says "I hate school today," what is one kind response you could send?
“I’m sorry today feels hard.”
“Want to talk?”
“I’m here for you.”
Name one reason why it's helpful to try to understand how someone else is feeling.
Helps avoid conflict
Improves friendships
Responds kindly
Understands behavior
Why are expected behaviors important in group activities? Give two reasons.
Reasons:
Keeps group organized
Helps everyone participate
Saves time
Prevents conflict
Why might an unexpected behavior sometimes be a sign that someone needs help? Explain briefly.
Because behavior can show:
Stress
Confusion
Big emotions
Need for support
You read an email from a friend who seems upset but doesn't say why. Write one supportive question you could ask to show you care.
“Do you want to share what’s going on?”
“I’m here if you want to talk.”
Read this short scenario and say what the other person might be thinking: "Sam missed the bus and got to class late. Mia laughed when Sam walked in." What might Mia be thinking or feeling?
Possible Mia's thoughts/feelings:
Thought Sam looked rushed or funny
Didn’t realize Sam felt embarrassed
Nervous laugh
Thought it wasn’t serious
Identify two expected behaviors when someone is presenting to the class.
Listening attentively
Eyes on speaker
No interrupting
Appropriate questions
Read this short scenario and identify which behavior is unexpected: "During a quiet test, Jordan suddenly starts singing loudly." Explain why it's unexpected and one possible reason Jordan might be doing it.
Unexpected: singing during test
Why: test is quiet work time
Possible reason: anxiety, attention-seeking, dysregulation
Read this short note: "I didn't finish the homework because my little sister was sick." What would be a perspective-taking reply that shows understanding but also keeps responsibility?
“I’m sorry your sister was sick—that sounds stressful. Maybe you can check with the teacher about finishing the homework.”
How can imagining a person's background or situation change the way you interpret their behavior? Give one clear example.
Explanation: background explains behavior
Example:
“A student who snaps at others might be stressed from problems at home, so I see they’re upset instead of mean.”
You are working in a group project and one group member keeps interrupting. Describe two expected behaviors you could model to help the group stay on task.
Model behaviors:
Wait turn to speak
Redirect to task
Example: “Let’s finish this part first.”
List two strategies a student could use if a classmate acts unexpectedly and it makes others uncomfortable
Strategies:
Stay calm and ignore
Give space
Tell adult
Redirect politely
You read a social media post where someone says they were left out of a group at lunch. Write a two-sentence reply that validates their feeling and offers inclusion.
“I’m sorry you felt left out—that really hurts. You can sit with me anytime.”
You overhear two friends arguing. One seems quiet and the other loud. List three questions you could ask to better understand each friend's perspective before taking sides.
Questions:
“How are you feeling about what happened?”
“What made you upset?”
“What do you wish the other person understood?”
Create a short script (3–4 lines) showing expected behaviors when joining a new class or club for the first time.
Example script:
“Hi, I’m new here.”
“Can I sit with you?”
“I’m excited to join.”
“Thanks for including me.”
You see someone acting unexpectedly in the hallway (pushing a trash can, shouting). Describe a 4-step plan you could follow to respond safely and respectfully.
4-step plan:
Stay calm and safe distance
Do not join behavior
Get adult help
Support peers moving away
Given a paragraph describing a student who acts out in class because they feel ignored at home, what is a thoughtful teacher-style response that uses perspective-taking and suggests a helpful next step.
Teacher-style response:
“I can see you’re having a hard time and may be feeling overlooked. Let’s find a way for you to get positive attention and support in class.”