Teaching Students
Empathy
Where I am observing, teachers have
commented on the lack of empathy in some of their students. One particular fourth grade teacher struggles
greatly with the students in her class.
They are, apparently, being very mean to one another. This teacher even commented on the fact that for
three months, students in her class laughed whenever a student who has speech
delays spoke. I believe that this is too long of a time period for such issues
to have continued. The situation had
become so bad that the guidance counselor had to create an activity for the entire grade with
the hope that they would develop some empathy for others. She
assigned students certain colors and groups. This taught students the feeling
of what it feels like to leave out a classmate.
In the fourth grade class in which I am
observing, however, the students have
been wonderful. They are very kind, and I know that they had some idea of what
to expect with my situation, before I even came. Their teacher had in the past been a special
education teacher. That way, students wouldn’t feel scared and they are always
welcome to ask questions. I think that perhaps the other classes are struggling
because, this concept is not being
taught in their homes.
Is it important for us to teach
empathy in our classes? Why? How
much of this do you feel is the teacher’s role? How much of it is a parent’s role at home? What
are some strategies you would use to incorporate the concept of empathy into
your classroom?
I feel that as a teacher you must incorporate teaching empathy, not making it a lesson but incorporate and have some general rules that are part of the classroom to have students respect each other. Of course it must be reinforced at home, and may be harder for an only child. When starting school learning how to teach others was always a major factor. I feel teachers are with students most of their day so they should be on top of the way they treat each other.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teachers should be teaching students empathy throughout the school days. It doesn't need to be a full on lesson about empathy, but students should taught about it. Lack of empathy leads to bullying and most of bullying occurs during school hours. I do believe that parents are also responsible for teaching their own children about empathy towards others. I also think a teacher needs to show empathy towards her students and this can be used as a way for students to show empathy towards one another.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to teach empathy in the classroom. For the past few years, bullying has become a major conflict in schools. Along with teaching content area lessons, there should be manners and responsibility involved. From the first day of school, the teacher will have a list of classroom rules for the students to follow. If the teacher teaches empathy by her being a modeled to share politeness, the students will shadow her actions. An example will be if a student hands the teacher a piece of paper, the teacher will say "thank you", and in return the student saying "you're welcome." If the student doesn't have good manners the teacher should reinforce the student as to what they should say. The teacher is also playing a role as being the parent. Students should be taught from their parents first, the true meaning of empathy.
ReplyDeleteIn today's society there aren't as many two parent families that are home when their child gets home from school or shortly after. This results in many children not being taught social skills, right from wrong, or empathy towards others, since there is no one to model this behavior for them. This leaves school. We as educators are absolutely responsible to teach our students more than just 2+2 or how to pass the NJASK. For some of our students, this part of the day may be the only structured time they have. I think a great way to let students know what will be acceptable in the classroom is at the beginning of the school year have the class make up classroom rules. When a problem arises, have them refer back to these rules that they themselves made. Have them talk and think about what is right and what is wrong. Many students will know the difference between right and wrong, but I am sure that you will have students that will think it is acceptable behavior because it is what they do at home.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments, I think it is definitely important to incorporate empathy into lessons and really in general into the daily routines. As future teachers, I also think that in the classroom establish the rules so that all of the students know that you will not tolerate disrespect in the classroom. This way, hopefully they will take that with them in the future. It's obviously difficult to try and implement empathy at home, because you're not with the student, and it would be hard to try and communicate that with all of the parents without offending them. You may not need entire lessons on empathy, but definitely incorporating little things here and there would help the class with good citizenship.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with everyone's comments. I think that it is important to teach and incorporate empathy into our classroom and lessons. With all the bullying today, it is even more important that we remember to teach our students that it is not right to mistreat or make fun of others. It is very hard because children can be really mean but can be done. We can not control what is being taught at home, but at least at school we have the ability to control it there. Empathy is an important thing to teach and it should not be ignored
ReplyDelete