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:

“Being empathetic is showing that you care, if that person needs you, you’ll always be right there.” This quote sums up the theme of this narrative poem. Students will enjoy the practical examples of what it means to have empathy. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students are more inclined to show they care through their positive actions and words. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Can you explain what the word “empathy” means? 
2. What does a person look or sound like when they’re sad? 
3. Do you think it would help a person who is sad if you listened to them or just sat with them? Why or why not? 
4. When someone else is happy because they get a nice gift or win a race, can you be happy for them, or do you wish you had the gift and won the race? 
5. What can you do for someone who is angry? 
6. When someone notices you’re upset and they tell you they understand how you’re feeling, does it make you feel better, or not and why? 
7. Imagine that a friend is scared of something; what could you do to help them? 
8. What is something that causes you to feel scared? What could someone do to help you when you feel afraid? 
9. When something is “contagious” it means that it spreads quickly. What do you think it means when the author says that empathy is contagious? 
10. Do you like being around happy people? Would you rather be around a happy or a sad person? When someone is sad, do you feel like you could cheer them up? How?