1. EMPATHY

2. What exactly is empathy? • Break into groups of two and come up with a definition of what you think empathy is • Be prepared to share your definition

3. Definition of Empathy • Understanding how another person is feeling and thinking. Being able to feel how someone else is feeling. • It goes beyond knowing what another person is going through. It requires you to actually experience the emotions that they are experiencing.

4. Why is empathy important? • It creates a caring environment • Helps us to treat others the way we would like to be treated • Promotes pro-social behavior (behavior that contributes toward helping or benefitting others) • Creates a better school atmosphere and a stronger community

5. Discussion Do you think that empathy is displayed in our school? • Why or why not? How can we display more empathy?

6. Tips for increasing empathy • Get to know more about those who are different from ourselves • Don’t judge another person; especially when you are not familiar with their life. • It is likely that you do not know what they are going through or have been through • Help other students without having to be asked • Encourage other students- even those with whom you are not friends • Any other ideas?

7. Any questions?