Empathy Interviews

Empathy Interviews

Here's a children's activity guide for emotional development and empathy through Empathy Interviews:

Activity: Empathy Interviews

Age Group: 6-12 years old

Instructions:

       1. Begin by explaining to the child that empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It helps us connect with and support those around us.

       2. Discuss the importance of listening and understanding others' perspectives to develop empathy. Explain that empathy interviews are a way to learn more about someone else's experiences and feelings.

       3. Encourage the child to choose a family member, friend, or classmate to interview. Explain that they will ask questions to understand the other person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

       4. Help the child prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage the other person to share their thoughts and emotions. Examples include:

       - How do you feel when...?

       - Can you tell me about a time when you felt...?

       - What is something that makes you happy/sad/excited?

       - How do you think others feel in certain situations?

       5. Guide the child through the empathy interview process:

              - Encourage them to find a quiet and comfortable space to conduct the interview.

              - Instruct them to ask the questions and actively listen to the other person's responses. Remind them to be patient and give the person time to share their thoughts and feelings.

              - Encourage the child to ask follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of the other person's experiences.

              - Remind them to show empathy and understanding through their body language, facial expressions, and supportive comments.

       6. After the interview, have a discussion with the child about what they learned and how they felt during the process. Ask them to reflect on the other person's emotions and experiences.

       7. Encourage the child to share their own thoughts and feelings related to the interview. Discuss how the interview helped them develop empathy and understand the other person's perspective.

       8. Encourage the child to practice empathy in their daily interactions by actively listening, asking questions, and showing understanding towards others.

Remember, the goal of this activity is to help children develop empathy skills through active listening and understanding others' perspectives. Encourage open communication and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore and discuss their emotions. Enjoy the Empathy Interviews activity with the children!