Introduction
Empathy is an essential skill for students to develop as they navigate through various social situations. It involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can lead to stronger relationships and better communication. In this blog post, we will introduce a no-prep activity called “Two Sides” to help educators teach empathy to special education students. Additionally, we will provide discussion questions and mention other related social-emotional learning skills.
No-Prep Activity: Two Sides
In this activity, educators will present students with two different scenarios that demonstrate empathy and the lack of it. The goal is for students to compare and contrast the behaviors in each situation, helping them better understand what it means to show empathy.
- Divide students into small groups or pairs.
- Present the first scenario: Mike is having a bad day, and his friends Jeff and Sarah are talking to him. In this version, Jeff and Sarah show empathy by listening attentively, using a sincere tone of voice, and offering support.
- Present the second scenario: Mike is still having a bad day, but this time, his friends Jeff and Sarah do not show empathy. They might dismiss his feelings, avoid eye contact, or change the subject.
- Ask students to discuss the differences between the two scenarios and identify the empathetic behaviors displayed in the first one.
- Encourage students to practice showing empathy during the discussion by actively listening and responding with understanding.
Discussion Questions
- What are some examples of empathetic behaviors shown by Jeff and Sarah in the first scenario? How do these behaviors make Mike feel?
- How might the second scenario be different if Jeff and Sarah showed empathy towards Mike? How would their actions change?
- Can you think of a time when you showed empathy to someone else? How did it make them feel? How did it make you feel?
- Why is empathy important in building strong relationships and effective communication?
- What strategies can you use to develop empathy and practice it in your daily life?
Related Skills
Beyond empathy, there are several other social-emotional learning skills that students can benefit from developing. These include:
- Active listening: Paying close attention to what the speaker is saying and responding appropriately.
- Emotion regulation: Managing one’s emotions in a healthy and effective manner.
- Conflict resolution: Addressing disagreements and finding solutions that are fair to all parties involved.
- Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings in a respectful and confident manner.
Next Steps
Teaching empathy and other social-emotional learning skills can greatly benefit special education students in their daily lives. If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources, we encourage you to sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech. With a variety of materials available, you’ll be well-equipped to help your students develop these essential life skills.
