Commonalities
Is it OK for friends to like different things (sports, foods, books, etc.)?
Yes
How does it feel to be asked to hang out with someone?
Feeling accepted, belonging, positive emotions, etc. (Any answer is acceptable.)
Should we only show empathy to someone when something bad has happened to them?
No, we can show empathy at all times!
Empathy is thinking about 1) how others feel and 2) what they might need and 3) then doing it.
It means that when we play a game or activity, I will accept the outcome, whether I win or not, whether I get to choose the activity or not, whether I get "my way" or not. It means working together and supporting each other.
What can you do if your friend is making fun of your classmate named Shayla by calling her Snail-a?
You should ask your friend to stop because it's not funny and it's hurting Shayla's feelings.
Can you have fun together if you and someone else have differences?
Yes
Name a difference between you and a friend for extra 200 points.
What should you do if people are in the middle of a game, and you would like to join?
Wait until they're done to ask to play (unless you notice it will not interrupt the game if you join now!)
Give an example of how you can show empathy when you disagree with someone.
Think about 1) how they feel and 2) how they might view the situation differently.
Bonus points: Give an example of a disagreement and how you can show empathy while disagreeing in that situation.
TRUE OR FALSE: It's fun to play with someone who controls everything we do and wants everything I have. Explain your reasoning.
FALSE!!! (Give explanation why this is true.)
Tell a joke.
Any answer is acceptable.
TRUE OR FALSE: One way to make a friend is to find something you both have in common.
True
Your friend is crying outside the classroom with a staff member. What should you do?
Wait until they come back into the classroom to ask them if they are OK. Ask them if they need anything.
If it is during a rotation, give them space and check-in when the rotation is over.
Almost all of the students are arguing during group counseling. The school counselor seems overwhelmed as she supports the students solve problems. How can you show her empathy?
Think about 1) how she feels and 2) what she might need and 3) then do it.
You can help the students with solutions or if you have a problem, accept solutions and work together with your peers with harmony. Then, everyone will be happier, calmer, and more at ease!
TRUE OR FALSE: It's more fun to hang out with someone who compromises, and meets in the middle, instead of always having their way.
TRUE!!! (Give explanation why this is true.)
Why are jokes that make fun of the way people look NOT FUNNY?
It's not funny because making fun of the way people look hurts their feelings.
How can you find out what you have in common with others?
You can ask them questions about themselves.
In group, we are fun making posters for the school, and someone is using the colored pencils you want.
What could you do?
You can ask them politely if you can use them after they are done. Wait patiently, and find other colors while they are busy drawing.
Bonus points: Should you ask again and again? Should you complain that you don't have those colors?
Think about 1) how he feels and 2) what he might need and 3) then do it.
The student is probably excited about it and wants you to share in their excitement so I can show him that I'm happy for them and cheer them on!
TRUE OR FALSE: If someone is a bad sport, it means that they will always be a bad sport. Explain your reasoning.
FALSE! (Give explanation why this is false.)
How can you tell if someone thinks something is funny or not?
You can look at their face and body language.
Find 1 thing that you and your teammates have in common and write it down.
(Almost) any answer is acceptable.
Your friends are playing a game or doing an activity you don't like. You are the only one not interested. What could you do instead of pushing your idea?
You can find a quiet solo activity, or push yourself to try the activity they are doing. You might have fun anyway!
What does it mean to "take someone else's perspective?"
Perspective-taking means that you imagine to be someone else, however different they are from you, and imagine how they might feel.
Bonus points: Why is it so important to consider other people's perspective? Can this help you become more caring, thoughtful, and make more friends? Does practicing empathy make you a better friend and person?
Tell about a time when someone showed good sportsmanship with you.
Any answer is acceptable.
What should your friend do if she keeps making the same silly face and sounds after you turn away and stop laughing?
She should stop because her behavior is becoming annoying.