Empathy: Recognizing a teachable moment

Teaching Pre K-8, Nov/Dec 2001 by Olney-Friedrich, Michelle

Hailey has eczema, a skin condition. She shared what the kids call her "elephant hands."

A girl responded: "Oh, that's why your skin is weird. I'm sorry."

The kids had always called Josh "big head" He raised his hand and explained that when he was three, his brain swelled and doctors had to crack his skull to save his life, so his head is big and there's nothing he can do about it. His classmates never knew this and shamefaced looks spread around the room.

My students realized that their words affected the way others see themselves. From their classmates and me, they heard how helpless it makes people feel to be singled out for something over which they have no control. My students learned to understand other people's situations and feelings, and students realized they were not alone in dealing with bullies and the weird things our bodies can do to us.

And there lies the basis for teaching empathy in any way you can. Unless empathy is taught and modeled, students may never realize that many feelings and anxieties are shared by everyone. I hope you'll find a moment this year when you can take the time to share a story - it might become a valuable lesson in empathy.

Michelle Olney-Friedrich teaches seventh grade language arts at Boude Storey Middle School in Dallas, TX.