Defining Empathy
What is the definition of empathy?
The ability to read and understand others' feelings and thoughts, and letting the person know you understand in a positive way.
Name an event that could cause you to feel upset.
getting a bad grade, losing a race, forgetting your lunch, etc...
Someone said that your clothes were ugly.
embarrassed, upset, sad, ashamed, mad, angry
A student on your handball team dropped missed hitting the ball and the other team won the game.
embarrassed, sad, mad, angry, disappointed,
Your friend needs to wear their mask due to medical reasons. How can you show them empathy?
Any answer that shows empathy and/or respect for them.
What is a way to show empathy?
Listen to the other person and let them know that you understand how they feel.
Name an event that could make you feel excited.
Going on a cool vacation, winning a prize, making a touchdown, etc...
Your favorite dog ran away from home and you couldn't find her.
sad, upset, frustrated, angry
A student is constantly getting teased for the clothes they wear.
depressed, embarrassed, sad, angry, mad, furious,
Your classmate forgot his/her homework at home and is very upset because they could get a bad grade.
I'm sorry that you forgot your work.
I'd be upset if that happened to me too.
I understand how you feel because you never forget your work.
What is a way NOT to show empathy?
Ignore the other person's feelings.
Say or act like you don't care.
Try to change their mood.
Try to fix their problem.
Name an event that could cause you to feel scared.
scary movies, the dark, being lost, seeing a snake, etc...
If someone called you an unkind name? Even after you asked them to stop.
mad, frustrated, sad,
At recess, a student chooses to wear their mask because they feel more comfortable that way. Other students are teasing them.
Any answer that shows empathy towards them.
Your sister has a huge mess in her room that her friends left.
This stinks. I'll help you clean this up.
I know how a messy room bothers you. Can I help you?
I'd be upset too if my friends made a mess in my room and didn't clean it up.
What does the term "walking in another's shoes" mean?
Being able to see things from the perspective of the other person.
Name an event that could cause you to feel jealous.
Someone else being the line leader, getting 2nd place, losing a game, a baby brother that gets more attention, etc...
Your friend told you that people were making fun of her.
angry, mad, upset, sad, embarrassed
A student in your class was chosen to sing a solo in the school musical and they went blank in front of the entire audience.
embarrassed, shocked, nervous, shy, sad, upset, disappointed
Your brother keeps getting farther and farther ahead in his new video game.
Wow! You're really good at this.
You rock! I'm so proud of you!
You're the best!
What does "walking in another's shoes" (or having perspective) have to do with empathy?
Being able to see things from another's point of view (perspective) enables you to understand how they feel if you can understand what they think or see.
Name an event that could cause you to feel embarrassed.
falling down, spilling your lunch on the floor, being made fun of, missing a catch, etc...
Your friend told someone what you had shared with them. Now people are talking about you behind your back.
Hurt, upset, sad, mad, angry, furious, jealous, disappointed
A student in your class never understands what the teacher is teaching and can't get good grades like the other students.
Jealous, embarrassed, upset, angry, frustrated, ashamed, sad,
Your friend was nervous to read in front of the whole class and started stuttering. Everyone started to laugh.
Stop laughing! We'd all be nervous too.
Take a deep breath! I know you can do it!
I'd have a hard time reading in front of all these people too. I know it's hard to get in front of a big group.