by Sarah Duddy
Empathy is a big idea. It is a big idea to consider when you are a small child. Developmentally, children are wired to think of themselves first. Their egocentric tendencies are what they bring to the table when they enter their first social situations and begin to navigate the dynamics of sharing space with a classmate, friend or family member. As the adults in their lives, we are tasked with helping them to unravel their egocentric selves. Challenging them to engage with a group and see the world from another's perspective. That can be hard!
I find that in my travels through educational blogs and publications, the word empathy and how it pertains to young children is coming up with greater frequency. In our ever evolving world, getting to know and understand each other is becoming more important than ever.
In our lower school assembly this week, we took a look at the above picture. We talked about how the boy in the middle might be feeling and students predicted what his friends might be saying to him. There were many thoughtful answers, and one friend shared that they might be saying, "I understand how you feel." What a great example of empathy, because when it all comes down to it empathy is about understanding. Understanding what others are feeling and supporting them in those feelings.
Empathy is a big idea, especially when considered from a child's perspective. So, we plan to continue our discussion in assemblies to come. You should ask your children what they have learned about empathy - I think you might be impressed with what they have to share.
I find that in my travels through educational blogs and publications, the word empathy and how it pertains to young children is coming up with greater frequency. In our ever evolving world, getting to know and understand each other is becoming more important than ever.
In our lower school assembly this week, we took a look at the above picture. We talked about how the boy in the middle might be feeling and students predicted what his friends might be saying to him. There were many thoughtful answers, and one friend shared that they might be saying, "I understand how you feel." What a great example of empathy, because when it all comes down to it empathy is about understanding. Understanding what others are feeling and supporting them in those feelings.
Empathy is a big idea, especially when considered from a child's perspective. So, we plan to continue our discussion in assemblies to come. You should ask your children what they have learned about empathy - I think you might be impressed with what they have to share.
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