February-Empathy
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Click the image to see a list of books that support our theme
Click the image for some activities that support our theme!
Click the image above for comfort recipes! Sharing food is one way to show support and understanding of those in need.
Core Bobcat Value: EMPATHY
“Often defined as understanding another person’s experience by imagining oneself in that other person’s situation: One understands the other person’s experience as if it were being experienced by them self, but without self actually experiencing it.”
Empathy is the ability to imagine how someone else is feeling in a particular situation and respond with care. This is a very complex skill to develop. Being able to empathize with another person means that a child:
- Understands that he is a separate individual, his own person;
- Understands that others can have different thoughts and feelings than he has;
- Recognizes the common feelings that most people experience—happiness, surprise, anger, disappointment, sadness, etc.;
- Is able to look at a particular situation and imagine how he—and therefore his friend—might feel in this moment; and
- Can imagine what response might be appropriate or comforting in that particular situatio
(https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/how-to-help-your-child-develop-empathy/)
Discussing Empathy
"To develop empathy, students can be encouraged to become aware of others’ feelings and to see situations from alternate points of view. These activities will help your students explore how to reach out to others, in words and actions."
- What is empathy?
- Why is it important to show empathy toward others?
- What does it mean to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes”?
- Think of a time when you hurt someone’s feelings. Describe what happened. How did you know you hurt the person’s feelings?
- How did you feel about the situation? Did you do anything to make the situation better?
- Are there times when students don't show empathy for each other?
- What would school be like if everyone showed empathy toward each other all the time?
For follow-up activities click here
Click the image for a playlist that supports our theme!
Take Action!
Kids of all ages can make a difference in the community – locally and around the world. Performing service and volunteer projects for kids strengthens a family and teaches empathy. Luckily for us, there are some great places to volunteer in Metro Atlanta.
Click the image below for some great ideas!
