Introduction

Everyone experiences situations differently, and the same event can evoke a range of emotions in different individuals. Developing the ability to see from others’ point of view is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a supportive environment. This essential social-emotional skill is sometimes referred to as “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

By practicing this skill, students can become better at solving problems, being supportive friends, and ensuring they do not unintentionally hurt anyone’s feelings. To help students develop this ability, educators can use a variety of techniques, such as observing facial expressions and body language, listening to tone of voice, and considering what they know about the person to understand their perspective.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “The Perspective Walk,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can help students practice seeing from others’ point of view:

1. Divide the class into pairs. Each student will take turns being the “Observer” and the “Speaker.”
2. Ask the Speaker to share a recent experience or situation that evoked strong emotions. Encourage them to describe their feelings and thoughts during the event.
3. The Observer should actively listen, paying close attention to the Speaker’s facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and words.
4. Once the Speaker finishes, the Observer should share their understanding of the Speaker’s feelings and thoughts, attempting to put themselves in the Speaker’s shoes.
5. After both students have taken turns in both roles, bring the class together to discuss their experiences and what they learned about seeing from others’ point of view.

Discussion Questions

• How did it feel to actively listen and attempt to understand your partner’s perspective?
• What challenges did you face when trying to put yourself in your partner’s shoes?
• How can improving your ability to see from others’ point of view help you in your daily life and relationships?
• What strategies can you use to become better at understanding others’ perspectives in various situations?
• How can seeing from others’ point of view contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic classroom environment?

Related Skills

Besides understanding others’ perspectives, several other social-emotional skills can help students thrive in their personal and academic lives. These skills include:

• Empathy: The ability to share and understand the feelings of others.
• Active listening: Giving full attention to the speaker, asking questions, and providing feedback to ensure understanding.
• Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Next Steps

Developing the ability to see from others’ point of view is just one aspect of fostering a strong social-emotional foundation. To access free sample materials and resources to help teach this skill and others, sign up at Everyday Speech. By incorporating these valuable lessons into your classroom, you can empower your students to build meaningful connections and navigate the world with empathy and understanding.