Listen, Or Thy Tongue Will Make Thee Deaf. Native American Proverb

EMPATHY

(Choose from—Definition, Quotes, Videos, Lesson Plan, Discussion Questions, Empathy Survey, Role- play activity…)

Empathy Defined—when we have empathy, we have direct identification with, understanding of, and vicarious experience of another person's situation, feelings, and motives. When we empathize we share a person’s distress and are moved to help them.

Empathy Quotes:

“Listen, or thy tongue will make thee deaf.” –Native American Proverb

“Empathy enables us to climb out of our own skin and into another’s.” –Thomas Lickona

“Sympathizers are spectators; empathizers wear game shoes.” –John Eyberg

There are several videos that help to explain empathy; choose one, none or all!  (As always, be cautious of the ads that appear to the side or that come before the video. Sometimes they advertise questionable items —not cool for junior high).

Video (2:44) What is Empathy? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icIlUdTEQnU

Video (1:43) AngerCoach Online-Empathy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH96g2TG0Sc

Video—(A silly but catchy song to define empathy) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgGKgBosXaE

Video—(12:48 Inspirational) – This is an amazing example of empathy. (From Mark Storey) http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=4371874

The 7 habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey – Discuss the importance of listening skills.

“Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood” summary – Awesome information http://mrpschneider.wikispaces.com/file/view/Habit+5-Seek+First+to+Understand+Summary.pdf

Lesson Plan - Teaching Tolerance (Use in conjunction with the two links that follow.) http://www.tolerance.org/supplement/developing-empathy-middle-grades

Questionnaire: Are You Empathetic? (Goes with lesson plan) http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/are%20you%20empathetic.pdf

Role Play: Someone Else’s Shoes –two in front of the class or students work in pairs. (Goes w/lesson) http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/someone%20else's%20shoes.pdf

Teacher information: Article from the New York Times in the Opinion Pages, “The Limits of Empathy” by David Brooks http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/30/opinion/brooks-the-limits-of-empathy.html

Blog –Edutopia – Discusses how to move students from empathy to action. (Goes with above article) http://www.edutopia.org/blog/students-turn-empathy-to-action-sel-maurice-