Empathy
Charlotte tells her friend Leah that she is really upset because her grandmother passed away. Leah says, “I’m so sorry. This must be so hard for you and your family. How can I help you get through this?” Is Leah showing empathy? How do you know?
Yes. She offering to help and says she is sorry.
The same kid on the bus picks on you every day. Today he sat next to you and took your sandwich from your lunch box and smashed it
Big Problem
You heard a new song today and want to share it so everyone can hear it too. When you get to your homeroom, everyone is hanging out and talking. Is now a good time to share the music?
Yes because...
Your classmate sits next to you, and there are ten minutes before school starts. Is now a good time to talk?
Yes because...
How long should you wash your hands for?
20 seconds at least
Winston is upset because his dog ran away. Parker says to him, “Whatever. Dogs are annoying anyway. Cats are way better!” Is Parker showing empathy?
No. He is taking a sad moment and not matching the emotion of the situation.
Saturday is your sister’s birthday. You were also invited to go to the movies with friends on the afternoon, but now you can’t go.
Medium Problem
You were just invited to go to a friend’s house, and you want to ask your parents if you can go. When you walk into the dining room, they are having a conversation. Is now a good time to ask them?
No because...
You sit next to a classmate during an assembly. Is now a good time to talk?
No because...
What does social distancing mean?
Staying away from people you don't live with.
Jess is crying because she failed her math test. Whitney says, “You’re being dramatic. It’s not even that big of a deal. Let it go.” Is Whitney showing empathy?
No. She is not matching the tone of the situation. She isn't offering compassion or help.
You came down for breakfast and wanted cereal. You go downstairs there is none left for you.
Small problem
You are late for class because the hallway was crowded. You walk into class, and the teacher is reviewing last night's homework. What should you do?
Quietly take a seat and at the end of class see what you missed.
You’re paired to work with a classmate on the science project. Is it appropriate conversation to have while you work on your project?
Depends because...
Is it okay to go to the grocery store?
Yes, but you should try to go as little as possible.
Steve told James that his parents are getting a divorce. He is really upset. James says, “I’m so sorry Steve. I get how you feel, my parents divorced last year.” Is James showing empathy?
Yes. He is relating to something that is on topic and helpful.
You are doing your homework in your room. Your sister has friends over, and they are listening to loud music that you don’t like. You cannot focus, and you are very frustrated.
Medium problem
You walk to the nurse's office for a band-aid. You see the nurse on the phone and someone laying on the cot not feeling well. What should you do?
Quietly wait until she is off the phone, then ask quietly for a band aid, so you don't disturb the sick person.
You see your teacher in an empty hallway. What is an appropriate topic/small talk conversation you could have?
How are you?
How was your weekend?
How is your day?
Are we ever going to go back to school?
Yes
Payton tells Megan that she is really nervous about presenting her science project to the class. Megan says, “I totally understand how you feel. When I get nervous, I take deep breaths and count to ten.” Is Megan showing empathy?
Yes. She is listening and offering advice that is on topic.
You're trying to meet with your teacher for a google hangout lesson and the computer is really slow and everyone is talking over each other.
Medium Problem
You are starting swimming lessons at the community pool. When you arrive, everyone is already in the pool waiting by the side. What should you do?
Follow what other are doing. Get in the pool and wait by the side.
1. You see your friend by his locker between classes. What is an appropriate topic or small talk conversation?
What are you doing today?
How was class?
Many others
Can we use some of the same skills that we learned at school to help us at home?
Yes
for example ...