Definition:

The ability to read body and facial language that shows when others are feeling hurt, and demonstrating the desire to try to help them with their troubles. 

In short: 

Feel what others feel.

Summary:

This is a true story told by a Japanese man who, in his childhood, befriended a dog named Hachiko. Everyone in his village got to know this dog, because they saw him at the train station waiting for the arrival of his master everyday. One day, the dog’s owner died, but Hachiko continued to wait by the station for the return of his master. This went on every day of Hachiko’s life until he died of old age. The people of the village felt a great deal of compassion for the dog who showed so much loyalty to his master. Today there is a statue of Hachiko built from money raised by the people of that village. 

Lesson Objectives:

1. Teachers guide students in a discussion about the relationship between people and their pets, highlighting the virtues of compassion and loyalty, emphasizing what we can learn about love and loyalty from our pets. 
2. Students will remember this story when they see an animal or person who is lonely and in need of care, and they will do something to help. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. This story is about two important virtues, loyalty and compassion. How did Hachiko show loyalty to his master? 
2. How did the people of the village show compassion for Hachiko? 
3. When the narrator was a boy he met Hachiko for the first time. How did their relationship change over the years? 
4. Why do you think Hachiko kept going to the train station after his master died? How does this part of the story make you feel? 
5. Do you think the people of the village were worried about Hachiko after his master died? 
6. Why do you think the people of Hachiko’s village wanted to have a statue of the dog at the train station?
7. If there’s a person or an animal in your life you worry about, please share about it with someone you trust, a parent, grandparent, or teacher.  
8. Have you ever had to wait a long time to see someone you love? What was it like for you to have to wait? 
9. Is there a time you remember when you were sad or lonely and someone reached out to you? How did that feel? 
10. Was there a time when someone or a pet you cared about died? Did you have a ceremony or do something in your pet’s memory?