As educators, one of our goals is to help students develop the ability to understand and empathize with others. In special education, this skill can be particularly beneficial, as it promotes positive social interactions and helps to build strong relationships. In this blog post, we will explore a no-prep activity that encourages students to consider different perspectives and feelings in problem-solving situations.

Introduction

Understanding that everyone has thoughts and feelings is a vital aspect of social-emotional learning. When students can recognize that there are two sides to every problem – how they feel and how the other person feels – they are better equipped to handle disagreements and conflicts. This skill enables students to think about the thoughts and feelings of others, which can help them solve problems more effectively and foster positive relationships.

No-Prep Activity

This activity, called “Two Sides of the Story,” requires no preparation or materials from the educator. It can be easily adapted for students in special education settings and is designed to help them practice understanding different perspectives in problem-solving situations.

1. Begin by presenting a scenario to the students, similar to the one involving Alessandra and Devin. Explain that there was a misunderstanding, and each person has different thoughts and feelings about the situation.
2. Ask the students to identify the thoughts and feelings of each person involved in the scenario.
3. Encourage the students to think about how each person might feel if they considered the other person’s perspective.
4. Discuss how understanding the other person’s thoughts and feelings could help resolve the problem and improve their relationship.

This activity promotes empathy and understanding, helping students to recognize that everyone has thoughts and feelings, and that considering different perspectives can lead to better problem-solving and stronger relationships.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions to stimulate further discussions:

1. Why is it important to consider other people’s thoughts and feelings when trying to solve a problem?
2. Can you think of a time when you had a disagreement with someone and needed to consider their perspective to resolve the issue? How did it help?
3. How can understanding different perspectives improve our relationships with others?
4. What strategies can we use to better understand and empathize with others in problem-solving situations?
5. How can we apply this skill to other areas of our lives, both inside and outside of the classroom?

Related Skills

Understanding different perspectives is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other relevant skills for students to develop include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and compassion
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration and teamwork

Next Steps

If you’re interested in exploring more activities and resources to help your students develop these essential social-emotional skills, sign up for free samples of the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech. Our comprehensive library of materials is designed to support educators in nurturing the social-emotional growth of their students, fostering positive relationships and promoting success both in and out of the classroom.