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:
Henry and Bea enjoy a happy friendship until one day Henry cuts himself off from Bea and everyone else. On a field trip to a farm, Bea finds out why Henry is so angry and unhappy. He’s lost a pet he loved. She keeps it a secret, knowing that Henry would prefer it that way. Henry is comforted when Bea helps him perform a ceremony to say goodbye to his cat. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students demonstrate more sensitivity and compassion towards friends and family members who are sad. 
2. Teachers can guide students in a discussion about how to help someone who is upset. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Who are Henry and Bea and why do they like to spend time together? 
2. What are some of the activities they enjoy doing together? 
3. Share about how Henry’s behavior changed one day.
4.  Why do you think Henry didn’t tell Bea right away what was wrong?   
5. What happened that helped Henry tell Bea why he was upset? 
6. What did they do that helped comfort Henry? 
7. Did you ever lose a pet? If so, what happened? 
8. Did you ever have a friend who suddenly was not interested in talking with you anymore? Were you able to talk with them eventually or not? 
9. Is it okay to cry when you are sad? Why or why not? 
10. When something bad happens to you, do you have someone you can talk to about it? If not, try to find a person you can trust who can help you, such as a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, older sibling, teacher, or coach.