Introduction
Social-emotional learning is essential for high school students as they navigate the complexities of their social world. One important aspect of this learning involves understanding the difference between laughing with someone and laughing at someone. When friends joke around and everyone is laughing, it can be a bonding experience. However, when someone is being laughed at and their feelings are hurt, it can lead to negative consequences. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of laughing with vs. laughing at someone and provide educators with a no-prep activity, discussion questions, and related skills to help their students develop empathy and maintain healthy friendships.
No-Prep Activity
To help students understand the difference between laughing with and laughing at someone, try this simple, no-prep activity called “Two Scenarios.” Begin by dividing the class into small groups. Each group will create two scenarios: one where friends are laughing with someone, and another where they are laughing at someone. Encourage students to use their own experiences or create fictional situations.
After the groups finish creating their scenarios, have them present their work to the class. As each group presents, ask the class to identify which scenario depicts friends laughing with someone and which depicts friends laughing at someone. This activity allows students to recognize the difference between the two situations and understand how their actions can impact others’ feelings.
Discussion Questions
- How can you tell if someone is laughing with you or at you? What are some signs to look for?
- How does it feel when someone is laughing with you? How does it feel when someone is laughing at you?
- What can you do if you notice that someone is being laughed at and their feelings are hurt?
- How can you make sure that you are laughing with your friends and not at them?
- Why is it important to be aware of the difference between laughing with and laughing at someone?
Related Skills
Developing empathy and understanding the difference between laughing with and laughing at someone are essential social-emotional skills. Other related skills that can help high school students build strong relationships and navigate their social world include:
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Emotion regulation
- Respecting boundaries
Next Steps
Social-emotional learning is a crucial component of education, and understanding the difference between laughing with and laughing at someone is an essential skill for high school students. To access more activities and resources that promote social-emotional learning, sign up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech. By incorporating these resources into your curriculum, you can help students develop empathy, foster healthy friendships, and navigate their social world with confidence.
