What Is Empathy?
True or false: This word means understanding and sharing how someone else feels.
True
A classmate drops their books in the hallway and people laugh. Name one feeling they might have.
Embarrassed, upset, frustrated, alone (any reasonable answer)
When a group member is talking, this is what your eyes and body should be doing.
Facing them and paying attention (active listening)
Coming to class with your materials and ready to learn shows this habit.
Being prepared (responsibility)
Your classmate is upset about a bad grade. Give one kind thing you could say.
“That’s frustrating. Want to study together?” (any supportive response)
True or false: Feeling sorry for someone is sympathy. Feeling with them is this
True
A new student eats lunch alone every day. What is one thing you could do?
Invite them to sit with you, say hi, include them in a game or conversation
One person in your group is doing all the talking. What can you say to include others?
“What do you think?” or “Let’s hear from everyone” (any inviting question)
When you’re off task and loud, how might it affect the students around you?
It distracts them and makes it harder for them to learn
Someone is being left out of a game at recess or in gym. What could you do?
Invite them in, ask them to be on your team
Name two clues besides words that tell you how someone is feeling.
Facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, actions (any two)
Your friend snaps at you before a test. What might be going on, besides “they’re just mean”?
They could be stressed, nervous, tired, or dealing with something at home
A group member is struggling with their part. Name one way to help without doing it for them.
Explain a step, show an example, ask what’s confusing, work through it together
Turning in your part of a group project on time shows empathy for whom?
Your group members, because they’re counting on you
You notice someone getting teased online. Name one empathetic action you could take.
Don’t join in, check on the person privately, tell a trusted adult, report it
True or false: you have to agree with someone to show them empathy.
False. You can understand how someone feels without agreeing with them.
A student refuses to start their work. Name two possible reasons that aren’t “they’re lazy.”
They don’t understand it, feel embarrassed, are overwhelmed, are tired or hungry, had a hard morning (any two)
Your group disagrees on an idea. Name a respectful sentence starter you could use.
“I see your point, but…”, “Can you explain more?”, “What if we tried…”
Name the habit of work: you keep trying on a hard problem instead of giving up.
Persistence (perseverance, grit)
You made a mistake that upset your group. What are two parts of a real apology?
Saying what you did, saying sorry, explaining how you’ll fix it or do better (any two)
Empathy has three parts: noticing how someone feels, understanding why, and this third step.
Doing something to help or respond kindly (taking action)
Why is it important to ask “Are you okay?” instead of assuming you know how someone feels?
Everyone experiences things differently; asking shows respect and gets you the real answer
How does showing empathy to your group help the whole group finish better work?
People feel safe sharing ideas, everyone participates, less conflict, more work gets done
Explain how your effort in class can affect your teacher and classmates.
Effort makes the class run smoothly, helps group work succeed, shows respect, and creates a positive learning space
Describe one way you can show empathy to a teacher.
Following directions the first time, being patient when they’re busy, saying thank you, helping a classmate so the teacher can help others