Click here to listen to the audio version
Educators know their responsibility is not only to help students grow academically, but also socially and emotionally as well. We want to grow good thinkers, but social and emotional development is clearly more challenging.
So, how can teachers use empathy and cultivate empathy, to promote healthy social and emotional development in their students?
1. Teach them the difference between empathy and sympathy.
Empathy is more personal; sympathy is more detached and theoretical.
2. Help students demonstrate the 3 different kinds of empathy.
3. Let students analyze situations through the lens of empathy.
Analyzing real-life experiences is one of the most powerful forms of learning. Teachers can present case scenarios to provoke meaningful discussions about empathetic behavior.
On the other hand, if you’re teaching literature for instance, fictional scenarios are also quite effective in inspiring deeper thoughts and feelings about what it means to have and to show empathy toward others.
It is only with empathy that we overcome our differences and increase our understanding of each other.
Did you find this article helpful? Forward it to a friend or colleague.
You can use your Aimee page to facilitate more empathetic connections among your students through their bios.
Got a few minutes to spare? Here are some very helpful methods on how to practice empathy and teach empathy in your classroom.
