Definition:

The ability to feel what others are feeling and the action of trying to help them with their troubles. 

In short: 

Feel what others feel.

Summary:

Eleanor Roosevelt’s life was all about compassion. Because she cared so much about the welfare of others, she became an activist, and as the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she was in a position to be very effective and influential. Her whole life was dedicated to listening to the concerns of people’s difficult circumstances. She worked tirelessly to establish practical ways to make life better for them. Mrs. Roosevelt traveled extensively and shared her concerns with her husband, who often supported her in her vision to improve the lives of citizens of the United States and the world. Readers are invited to follow her example, and do what they can to help others. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Teacher guides students to define and discuss the word “compassion” and give examples of ways in which Eleanor Roosevelt showed compassion. 
2. Students research local non-profit organizations that seek to ease social challenges.  

Guiding Questions: 

1. Eleanor Roosevelt had a good life growing up in a wealthy family, and she was married to the President of the United States. How did she learn about people who were in difficult situations, very different from hers?   
2. Why do you think she spent her whole life helping people?
3. Share about some of the people she helped. What were their challenges?  
4. If Mrs. Roosevelt was alive today and you could tell her about a social problem that concerns you, what would you say?  
5. Mrs. Roosevelt helped women do important things. What are some of the things she helped women do? 
6. At the end of the story, the author says that she hopes the reader will… (complete the sentence) 
7. Are there homeless people where you live? How do you feel when you see them?  
8. Imagine you are now as old as your grandparents and someone wanted to write a book about your life. Imagine five experiences you’d want to have in the next 40-50 years that could be part of the book and write them down. 
9. Do you know any elderly people you could make a card for and visit? Ask your parents for help if you need it. 
10.  Compassion means that we want to help others in need. Do you know what to do if there’s an emergency in your home and there’s no adult there who can help? Talk it over with your family so you know what to do.