empathy

student with headphones

Friendships beyond the classroom

The chaos of the morning begins. It’s 8:30. Students are arriving and beginning to unpack. As I’m walking around the room checking on students, making sure agendas are filled in and lunch count is taken, students are swarming me like flies with questions. The one question I hear over and over again is, “Are we …

Friendships beyond the classroom Read More »

students engaged

Finding the ‘path’ in empathy: Navigating student mental health with compassion, connection, and virtual exchange

“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy.”   These famous words from rapper Eminem have played over my car radio more than a couple of times in the past seventeen years since their release. But lately, I can’t help but think about how the feelings described in these lyrics plague more and more …

Finding the ‘path’ in empathy: Navigating student mental health with compassion, connection, and virtual exchange Read More »

students raising hands

Teaching empathy – is it possible?

While it’s tough to claim that one can ‘teach’ empathy, educators can create experiences that help students exercise their ability to empathize with other people. In particular, educators can help students learn about their own points of view, appreciate different perspectives, think critically about different perspectives, and cooperate and communicate in a respectful, positive manner. Empatico activities incorporate each of these key skills to help educators and students as they practice empathy in the classroom.