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Empathy and Kindness Activities

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Empathy and Kindness Activities

Read the short story, then try each activity. Empathy means trying to understand how someone else might feel and choosing a respectful way to respond. There can be more than one kind response, but make sure your choice is safe and considerate.

The lost lunchbox

At lunchtime, Asha noticed that Arjun was standing near the oval while other children started a game. Arjun looked worried and kept checking his bag. Asha asked, “Are you all right?” Arjun explained that he could not find his lunchbox and was worried he would miss out on eating. Asha listened without interrupting. She offered to help look, and they checked the bench where Arjun had been sitting. They found the lunchbox underneath it. Asha asked Arjun if he wanted to join the game afterwards. Arjun smiled and said yes. Asha did not assume what Arjun needed; she asked and listened first.

Notice, think, respond

Use the story to answer the questions. Think about how Asha found out what Arjun needed before acting.

1.Choose the best meaning of empathy.

Trying to understand how someone else may feel and responding with care.
Making sure everyone agrees with you.
Solving another person's problem without asking them anything.
Feeling happy whenever your friends feel happy.

2.Name two clues in the story that showed Arjun might be worried.

3.Which action best shows that Asha listened and responded with empathy?

She told Arjun to stop worrying and went to play.
She asked if he was all right, listened, and offered to help look.
She told the other children that Arjun had lost his lunchbox.
She guessed what Arjun needed and made the decision for him.

4.Write K beside each kind and respectful action and N beside each unkind or unhelpful action: (a) Invite someone who is standing alone to join a game. (b) Laugh when someone makes a mistake. (c) Ask a worried friend whether they would like help. (d) Keep asking questions after someone says they do not want to talk.

Choose a caring next step

Kindness does not mean taking over. A respectful response offers support and listens to what the other person wants.

5.Match each situation with the most helpful first response. Write the letter beside each number.

1. A classmate looks nervous before reading aloud.
2. Someone falls over near the playground.
3. A new child is looking for the canteen.
4. A friend is quiet and says, “I want some space.”

B. Ask if they would like you to practise with them.
A. Ask if they are hurt and offer to get an adult.
C. Offer to show them where it is.
D. Respect their request and check in later.

6.A classmate has dropped their pencils and looks embarrassed. Write one kind sentence you could say before offering help.

7.Arjun says he would rather look for his lunchbox by himself. What is the most respectful thing Asha can do?

Keep searching for him, even though he said no.
Tell him he is being silly.
Say, “Okay. I’m nearby if you change your mind,” and give him space.
Walk away and tell everyone about the lost lunchbox.

8.Complete the sentence: Before I help someone, it can be respectful to ask because .

9.Write one realistic, kind action you could try this week. Say who it might help and how you will check that the person is comfortable with your help.

10.Empathy means knowing exactly how another person feels without asking them.

TrueFalse