For PBIS in the month of December, students in all elementary grade levels have been learning about empathy. In first grade specifically, we have been learning what it means and how we can show empathy to others. In our classroom, we have had many discussions about what showing empathy looks like in different situations. Students have looked at pictures to identify how the image shows empathy, and have even been tasked with thinking about a time when they have had to consider another person’s feelings.
Empathy is an important skill to teach young children about. In our classroom it looks like two partners using their active-listen skills and taking turns to share their ideas. Empathy in our classroom also looks like one friend showing support to another when they are feeling sad. The supportive friend stops and takes the time to listen and offer ideas for how to work through the big emotions.
It has been really interesting to see how each student connects with this crucial character trait. When asked to describe empathy in their own words, one first grade student from our classroom said, “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.” Another student even went on to say, “Empathy is feeling someone else’s feelings.” Empathy is a simple and important skill that we will continue to highlight in first grade.