Boys Town Skill of the Week
Expressing Empathy for Others
Empathy
Planned Teaching
- Brainstorm why it is important to be able to show empathy or understanding (builds character, shows kindness, makes others feel better, strengthens friendships, etc)
Describe the Appropriate Behavior
- Listen closely as the other person expresses his/her feelings (try not to get distracted by people or events around you)
- Express empathy by saying "I understand...."
- Demonstrate concern through your words and actions (don't laugh, roll your eyes, or act indifferent)
- Reflect back the other person's words by saying "It seems like you're saying...."
- Offer any help or assistance you can
Give a Reason or Rationale
- There will be times when friends or family members will struggle with problems or experience loss. By being empathetic and understanding, you can help them feel better.
- Strengthens friendships and relationships
- Helps improve a person's attitude or outlook
- You build character by showing compassion and concern
- Others are more likely to reach out to you and help you when you are hurting
Practice/Role Play
- Use the poem I'm in a Rotten Mood and ask students how they could show empathy to someone in such a bad mood or to someone feeling glum
I'm in a Rotten Mood
I'm in a rotten mood today
A really rotten mood today
I'm feeling cross
I'm feeling mean
I'm jumpy as a jumping bean
I have an awful attitude
I'm in a rotten mood!
I'm in a rotten mood today
A really rotten mood today
I'm in a snit
I'm in a stew
There's nothing that I care to do
But sit all by myself and brood -
I'm in a rotten mood!
I'm in a rotten mood today
A really rotten mood today
You'd better stay away from me
I'm just a lump of misery
I'm feeling absolutely rude -
I'm in a rotten mood!
- Your friend is very sad because his father died. Show how you would support your friend
- Your sister tried out for the school play but didn't get the part. She is very upset. How would you show empathy and understanding toward her?
- Your best friend's parents are getting divorced. Your friend is angry, sad, and just keeps to himself. Show how you would be supportive and understanding.
- Your classmate did not do well on a test and is disappointed. How could you help him feel better?
- Your grandparents' dog passed away. What would you do to show empathy?
- Your classmate broker her arm and is feeling sad because she cannot participate in gym. How can you support her and make her feel better? Have student role play this by putting on a pretend cast and trying to do everyday activities like tying their shoes, etc.
- Someone called your friend and name and he is sad. What would you do or say to him?
- Your friend lost his favorite toy. What could you do to show empathy?
- You are on the playground and see someone get pushed down. Put yourself in their shoes. What could you do to help?
- A friend is sitting by herself at lunch. What could you do or say?
- A student walks into their first day at your school and looks scared. How can you make him/her feel welcome?
- Your brother lost his baseball game and feels sad. How can you cheer him up?
- Your best friend is moving to a new school and is very sad. How can you help?
Journaling
- Why is it important to show compassion and understanding to others?
- List some times when a friend may need to be comforted or supported.
- How would it feel if.....
- You were the most popular kid at school? The least popular? The new kid?
SoulPancake Experiment
Hether Darnell
Tech Academy @ Pettit Park
Email: hdarnell@kokomo.k12.in.us
Website: http://kokomoschools.com/
Location: 901 W Havens St, Kokomo, IN, United States
Phone: 765-454-7075
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hether.darnell
Twitter: @HetherDarnell