Empathy in elementary schoolers isn't just about feeling sorry for someone; it involves a combination of emotional awareness and action. Here are some examples of what it looks like in their behavior:
Understanding Emotions: A child can identify when a friend is sad, even if they don't say it. For example, they might notice a classmate is frowning and sitting alone and can recognize they're upset.
Perspective-Taking: A student can understand why a peer might be mad or disappointed about a situation, even if they aren't personally affected by it. This is often described as "putting yourself in someone else's shoes."
Verbalizing Care: An empathetic child might say, "I'm sorry you're feeling sad," or "I know how you feel because that happened to me once." They use words to acknowledge and validate another's feelings.
Taking Action: This is the compassionate side of empathy. They might offer a hug to a crying friend, help a classmate pick up a dropped pile of books, or invite a new student to sit with them at lunch.
Active Listening: A child who is developing empathy will make eye contact and listen attentively when a peer is talking about a problem. They don't interrupt or immediately offer a solution, but instead focus on hearing the other person's experience.