How Would You Feel? Learning About Empathy
Help children get along better with their peers by developing the ability to empathize with others. By asking the question "How would I feel if that were me?" kids' learn to see a situation from another person's point of view. Discussion-starters open kids' eyes to the value of empathy. Ally and Tamara make plans to go skating as soon as their newly ordered skates arrive. Tamara's skates come before Ally's and she doesn't know what to do. But when Tamara imagines how Ally will feel if she's left behind, Tamara decides to wait until they can go skating together. When Keith tells Sean that he is moving away, Sean's unfeeling reply only makes Keith feel worse. Then Sean puts himself in Keith's place and realizes that saying something positive will help make his friend feel better. John's British cousin McKensie is teased by his friend Matt because she speaks differently. When John imagines how McKensie must feel, he stands up for her and tells his friend to treat her more respectfully. Carla and Brittany are competing for the "Young Author's" book prize. When Carla wins, Brittany is so jealous she can't congratulate her friend. Carla is hurt and angry. But by seeing the situation from each other's point of view, the girls are able to resolve their conflict and get back to being friends.
