Empathy Skills for Learning
Definition: This helps you understand what others are feeling or going through.
Empathy
You are hanging out with your friend and you start arguing. Her face is getting red and her eyes are narrowing. Later in the conversation, she gets very quiet and starts looking down at the floor. What two emotions is she feeling?
Anger and Sadness
What would you do to make a new student more comfortable?
Examples include: Introduce yourself, offer to help them out if they are confused, invite them to join you in activities.
What is perspective-taking?
Perspective taking is when we try to see a situation from someone else’s point-of-view, or we “put ourselves in their shoes”. Each person has their own unique perspective!
What is the most ordered food in America?
Fried chicken
Why is it important to show empathy to others?
To better understand people, and maintain good relationships.
One of your classmates gets called upon by the teacher, but he doesn't know the answer. He tries his best to answer, but notices that his classmates are laughing and snickering. What emotion(s) is he feeling?
Embarrassed, Ashamed, Worried
True or False: It is okay to talk badly about one of your friends even if you are talking to another one of your shared friends.
False! It is never okay to talk badly about someone.
How can we understand someone's feelings during a situation?
Try to see the situation from their point of view.
Remember a time you felt that way.
Recognize that they may be feeling that way too.
What is the longest river in the world?
The Nile
What are some ways that you can show someone that you are actively listening to what they are saying?
Some examples are: Maintain eye contact, do not interrupt them, ask questions, and repeat what they are saying to let them know you understand what they are telling you.
You meet a new student at school. You notice that they are very quiet and often sit by themself. They rarely answer questions and look very uncomfortable. How might this student be feeling? What could you do to support them?
Anxious, scared, nervous, worried, etc.
EX: Speak to them, invite them over, ask them about themself, tell them about the school, ect.
Your friend Sarah is absent from school because of her broken ankle. Your classmates start saying mean things about her. You join in with them because you don't want to feel left out. How can you practice being a good friend in this situation?
Standing up for Sarah, getting support, setting a boundary, etc.
What can we learn from others by using perspective taking?
We can learn facts about someone else.
We can learn about experiences that others have had.
We can learn to see things differently.
Who lives in a trashcan on Sesame Street?
Oscar the Grouch
What are some ways to disagree with someone, while still being respectful?
Actively listen to what they have to say, calmly tell them your perspective without getting upset at them. It's okay to disagree, but we need to respond appropriately to the people around us.
Your team has just lost kickball in gym class. The other team is cheering and celebrating, and you begin to notice that your body feels hot, your fists are clenched, and you want to yell.
What are you feeling and how can you get through this feeling?
Frustrated
Take deep breaths, go get water, distract yourself
Your friend is really stressed today, and is acting like she is mad at you. What should you do if you know that she is stressed?
You realize that stress can impact our mood, and that offering support can be helpful. You can offer to help her with her tasks, or help her use coping skills to calm down.
Two years ago, Sanjay's sister was badly hurt and rushed to the hospital. Sanjay was there too, and remembers everything the doctor did to help his sister. Since then, he has always wanted to become a doctor. How do you think Sanjay feels about going to the doctor? Why?
EXCITED!
Are worker bees male or female?
Predicting feelings: Why is it important to try and predict how your words will affect someone?
You don't want to hurt other people"s feelings, so you should think about what you say to them first. If you say what first comes to your mind ("the first draft thought"), it could be based on high emotions and could come out as hurtful. It's important to think before we speak.
Your eyes are watering, heart is racing, and you're breathing quickly. You also notice that your stomach is in knots, you're overheating, and feel very uncomfortable in your body. You consider trying to run from the situation (flight), use aggressive words (fight), or shut down (freeze). What emotion is this?
Anxiety
True or False: A good friend will always agree with you.
False! If they always agreed with you, they probably aren't being completely truthful with you about how they really feel. Also, disagreements help you grow in a relationship, so we should welcome them.
Think about a time when you disagreed with someone. How could you use perspective taking in this situation?
Answers will vary.
How many noses does a slug have?
Four!