Skill: Showing Empathy
How Do You “Show Up” for People?
Today, we'll talk about empathy, how we show other people that we're trying to understand their emotions and perspective.
Grades: 6-8
Benchmark(s): 6-8.SoA.1.2, 1.3
What does it feel like when people try to offer advice or solve your problem instead of listening to you?
What does “empathy” mean?
SHOW ANSWER
"Feeling with someone."
Recognizing another person's feelings and — instead of judging them or thinking about ourselves — trying to understand and support the person.
WHY SHOWING EMPATHY MATTERS: |
✅ People are more likely to see you as warm and friendly. They are more likely to want to spend time with you. ✅ It helps you to learn more about the people you care about and to build stronger relationships. ✅ You can improve a person's outlook and attitude, which will probably make you feel good about yourself. ✅ Others are more likely to reach out and help you when you need it. |
Isaac’s dad is picking him up after school and he is late. Isaac’s friends have already left and he is sitting alone. Isaac hates to wait and he thinks he’ll be late for basketball practice. When his dad gets there, his dad looks frustrated. He apologizes for being late and makes a comment about the traffic being terrible.
How would it look for Isaac to be empathetic in this situation? What’s important to consider?
What wisdom would you share with a “cold” or “insensitive” person about why and how to treat people with empathy and compassion?
Picture this!
What about this sounds right? 👍
What details might be missing? 🤔
ROADMAP
TIP #1: |
Sometimes people just want to "vent" to someone who will listen because it will help them to feel better. They don’t want you to try to solve their problem. If you offer help and the person doesn't appear interested, consider holding off on offering again and just listening instead. |
Do you like the way he asked the question? Do you think you have to outright ask people that question? Why or why not?
When you’re texting with someone, things like eye contact, nodding your head, etc. disappear.
In this situation, how do you show someone that you’re “listening” actively and paying attention to them?
TIP #2: |
If you've had a similar experience that helps you relate to the person, it's okay to share that, but be careful not to make the conversation about you. |
“Sometimes I’m talking to my dad or my teachers, and they totally miss the point of what I’m trying to say, but I’m too nervous to tell them they got it wrong.”
Do you relate to what she’s saying or not?
How would you reply?
👍 👎
What’s your take?
Kevin’s eating lunch with his friend Victoria, and she looks depressed. She tells Kevin that her dad lost his job yesterday.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Mason’s friend Anna is worried about an upcoming math test because she doesn't understand the material. Mason isn’t worried and thinks the test will be easy. They’re sitting at lunch together and she says, "Have you studied for Mrs. Johnson's math test yet? It's going to be so hard!"
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Taylor’s friend Hailey walks up to him in the hallway between classes with a big smile on her face. "Guess what? I just found out that I won the art contest," she tells him enthusiastically. Hailey has talked about the art contest a few times over the last few weeks, and Taylor knows that Hailey spent a lot of time working on her drawing.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Sam’s friend Lillian is telling Sam about having to put her dog to sleep because the dog was very sick. Lillian is very upset and it looks like she’s trying not to cry.
Skip to end
Play it out: How would the tips and suggestions that we’ve discussed look in this situation?
Words of wisdom: What advice would help someone handle this situation well?
Heads up: What pitfalls should someone try to avoid in a situation like this? How?
Lessons learned: I’ve been through a similar situation and here’s what I learned from it…
Choose one ⬇
Nice work! To recap, we learned more about: