November: Empathy
The ability to understand and share feelings of another
In
November, students will imagine putting themselves in someone else’s
shoes, thinking about how others feel, and considering their feelings in
the decisions they make. They will understand how being an active
listener is a valuable skill when building relationships, and learn to
acknowledge others feelings without judgement.
Home-to-School Connection
Practice empathy at home with your child! Please choose from the following options or create your own.
Make time to talk, take time to listen...
Select as many
questions as you would like to discuss. These questions are intended to
serve as a starting point for you and your child to learn more about
yourselves and each other.
How do I know if what I do makes others happy? 
How can I learn about what others are feeling?
What do people do when they need help?
What could I do to be more understanding of others and their feelings?
What does it mean to put yourself in someone else’s shoes? Why is this important?
How can you show someone that you understand their feelings?
If someone I know looks upset, what can I do to show them I care?
What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?
How would you feel if someone did that to you? Base this question on something that has happened in your child’s life or when reading a story to discuss an action of a character.
How are people affected by gossip or rumors?
How can I learn to understand others point of view?
Activities
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Design an empathy brochure with your child on the computer. Treat it like a vacation brochure, detailing the attractive features of the empathy, why people would be interested in demonstrating the behavior and the rewards that come from becoming an empathetic person. Look for pictures or clip art to illustrate the brochure
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Interview a member of your family or a friend. Ask them about a time in their life that was difficult for them. Do they have advice for you on what to do if you were in their situation. Make them a card to thank them for sharing their experience with you.
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Make a Public Service Announcement with your class or family. Post online or youtube about the importance of Empathy.
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Play empathy charades. Chose at random emotions or situations that your child/family/friends can act out. Once they have been guessed, each team can only get a point for their team if they can explain how they would help that person.
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For older students watch “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Discuss Boo Radley and Scout’s understanding of him. Also, Atticus (Dad) saying to not judge until “you’ve walked in another man’s shoes”.
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Do a “random act of kindness” every day for seven days. Every day, do something little (like hold a door, or give a compliment, or carry groceries).
Recommended Reads 
Find a book that you think is most appropriate to read with your child, from some of our favorites...
Pre-Kindergarten
Ferdinand the Bull (Munro Leaf)
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
Priscilla McDoodlenutDoodleMcMae Asks Why? (Janet Mary Sinke)
The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein)
Kindergarten-2nd Grade
14 Cows for America (Carmen Agra Deady)
Always Room for One More (Sorche Nic Leodhas)
Ballerina Dreams (Joann Ferrara)
Don’t Laugh at Me (Steve Seskin)
Double-Dip Feelings Stories to Help Children Understand Emotions (Barbara S. Cain)
Ferdinand the Bull (Munro Leaf)
Fly Away Home (Eve Bunting)
Hey Little Ant (Phillip and Hannah House)
Hundred Dresses (Eleanor Estes)
Is There Really a Human Race (Jamie Lee Curtis)
Leonardo the Terrible Monster (Mo Willems)
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
Mirror (Jeannie Baker)
Priscilla McDoodlenutDoodleMcMae Asks Why? (Janet Mary Sinke)
The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein)
The Name Jar (Yangsook Choi)
The Sandwich Swap (Kelly DiPucchio)
Those Shoes (Maribeth Boelts)
We’re All in the Same Boat (Zachary Shapiro)
3rd Grade-5th Grade
14 Cows for America (Carmen Agra Deady)
Always Room for One More (Sorche Nic Leodhas)
Don’t Laugh at Me (Steve Seskin)
Double-Dip Feelings Stories to Help Children Understand Emotions (Barbara S. Cain)
Fly Away Home (Eve Bunting)
Hey Little Ant (Phillip and Hannah House)
Hundred Dresses (Eleanor Estes)
Is There Really a Human Race (Jamie Lee Curtis)
Leonardo the Terrible Monster (Mo Willems)
Mirror (Jeannie Baker)
Mockingbird (Kathryn Erskine)
Number the Stars (Lois Lowery)
Out of My Mind (Sharon Diaper)
Priscilla McDoodlenutDoodleMcMae Asks Why? (Janet Mary Sinke)
Rules (Cynthia Lord)The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein)
The Jacket (Andrew Clements)
The Name Jar (Yangsook Choi)
The Sandwich Swap (Kelly DiPucchio)
Those Shoes (Maribeth Boelts)
We’re All in the Same Boat (Zachary Shapiro)
Wonder (RJ Palacio)