In this lesson, students will gain a better understanding of what it means to be empathetic and be able to identify behaviors that show empathy toward others.
Framework
When we put ourselves in another person’s shoes, we are often more sensitive to what that person is experiencing and are less likely to tease or bully them. By explicitly teaching students to be more conscious of other people’s feelings, we can create a more accepting and respectful school community.
Additional Resources
Glossary
empathy [em-puh-thee]
(noun) the understanding of or the ability to identify with another person’s feelings or experiences
Early Grades [2] (K-2)
Elementary Grades [3] (3-5)
Middle Grades [4] (6-8)
High School [5] (9-12)
Standards [6]
Activities and embedded assessments address the following standards (McREL 4th [6] [6] edition [6])
Language Arts
Standard 8: Uses
listening and speaking strategies for different purposes
Working With Others
Standard 4: Displays effective interpersonal communication
skills
Links:
[1] http://www.tolerance.org/activity/happy-faces
[2] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/developing-empathy-early-grades
[3] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/developing-empathy-elementary-grades
[4] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/developing-empathy-middle-grades
[5] http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/developing-empathy-high-school
[6] http://www.mcrel.org/compendium/browse.asp