Learn to Empathize

I’m going to make a broad and sweeping statement that I wholeheartedly believe to be true but can’t back up with fact: empathy is the most important “skill” children can learn. The current world climate, and particularly the political climate in the US, reinforces this in my mind. But next comes the question, how do you teach children empathy? Well, it’s a lot more difficult than teaching them to write their name. (I say this as a teacher, editor, and writer who’s had to create units on both of these topics.)

Here are my top bullets on teaching students to empathize with others—followed by a fabulous song from The Mailbox Gold that emphasizes caring behaviors!

• Model empathy. As a teacher, you’re in a position to mention how classroom events affect you. For example, “When Sara cries it makes me feel sad inside. If I fell and skinned my knee, I would feel the same way and would cry too.”
• Teach children self-control. When they’re angry, encourage them to use coping mechanisms, such as breathing deeply, squeezing play dough, or stretching. You can’t empathize if you’re consumed with your own emotions.
• Encourage children to think about others. For example, say, “Jaylen is getting a baby brother soon. How do you think that will make him feel?”

This bonus character education song is just one of the fabulous ideas you’ll get with The Mailbox Gold. Gold gives you unlimited printing from our website and other fabulous goodies! Click here to get a ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL.

Help youngsters understand the traits of a caring person with this bouncy song!

                                                                                                                                                                              (sung to the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain When She Comes”)

When you’re caring and you know it, [you are kind].
When you’re caring and you know it, [you are kind].
When you’re caring and you know it
Then your words and actions show it.
When you’re caring and you know it, [you are kind].

Continue with the following: you will help, you forgive