Did you know that digital tools can help students learn to be more empathetic? Here are three fun and easy ways teachers can help kids practice empathy online, just like they do in real life.
One great way to start is by having students share their work online and give each other feedback. This can be done using tools like Google Classroom, which makes it simple to post and comment on each other’s work. For older students, you can even have discussions on social media to show how to communicate positively and respectfully.
It’s important for students to learn about different cultures and viewpoints. Tools like PenPal Schools can connect your classroom with others around the world. You can also invite guest speakers to join your class through video calls. Virtual reality tools can give students a chance to see the world from a new perspective, making learning exciting and eye-opening.
Encourage students to use their empathy to make a difference. They can share their stories and experiences on platforms like Youth Radio or StoryCorps. Students can create their own stories using tools like GarageBand or Audacity. To share their work with a larger audience, they can use design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create eye-catching presentations.
Classrooms are places where we learn and grow, and using digital tools to build empathy is an important part of that journey.
Thank you for reading! If you’re interested in learning more about teaching empathy with online tools, check out additional resources. For more ideas on teaching social-emotional skills, visit Common Sense Education.
Imagine you are sharing a project online. Write a positive comment you would give to a classmate. Then, think of a respectful way to suggest an improvement. Practice with a partner and discuss how your words can make others feel.
Connect with a student from another country using a pen pal program. Write a letter introducing yourself and ask questions about their culture. Share what you learn with the class and discuss how different perspectives can help us understand each other better.
Use a virtual reality app to explore a place you’ve never been. Write a short story about your experience and how it made you feel. Share your story with the class and discuss how seeing the world from different viewpoints can build empathy.
Create a podcast episode using GarageBand or Audacity about a time you showed empathy. Share your story with classmates and listen to theirs. Discuss how sharing personal experiences can inspire others to be more empathetic.
Think of a social issue you care about. Use Canva or Adobe Spark to design a poster that raises awareness about the issue. Present your poster to the class and explain how empathy can lead to positive action.
What if I said that digital tools could actually help your students build empathy? Here are three ways teachers can give kids practice using empathy online, just like in face-to-face situations.
**Number One: Model and practice digital citizenship in your classroom.** One simple idea is to have kids practice posting their work online and giving each other feedback. A tool like Google Classroom makes this easy. For older students, consider having conversations on social media to model positive communication.
**Number Two: Introduce kids to different perspectives and people from various backgrounds.** A tool like PenPal Schools connects classrooms across the globe. Alternatively, you can bring guest speakers into your classroom via video calls. Even simple virtual reality tools can provide kids with an immersive look at the world from a new point of view.
**Number Three: Help kids turn empathy into action.** Encourage students to take action and share their experiences with the world. You can inspire them by introducing platforms like Youth Radio or StoryCorps. Then, have students create their own stories using tools like GarageBand or Audacity. They could also use design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to promote their work to a wider audience.
Our classrooms are laboratories of learning, and incorporating digital tools to build empathy should definitely be a part of that.
Thank you for watching! If you want more information about teaching empathy to kids with online tools, click the link. For more resources on teaching various social-emotional skills, regardless of grade or subject, visit Common Sense Education.
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. – In social studies class, we learn empathy by discussing how people from different cultures feel about world events.
Technology – The use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry and education. – Our school uses technology like tablets and computers to help us learn more effectively.
Citizenship – The status of being a member of a country, with rights and responsibilities. – Good citizenship involves voting in elections and being informed about community issues.
Cultures – The beliefs, customs, arts, and way of life of a particular society or group. – In our social studies project, we explored the different cultures of South America.
Perspectives – A particular attitude or way of viewing something. – Our teacher encouraged us to consider different perspectives when discussing historical events.
Classrooms – Rooms where teaching and learning take place. – Our classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards to enhance our learning experience.
Stories – Accounts of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment or education. – We read stories about ancient civilizations to learn how people lived in the past.
Tools – Devices or implements used to carry out a particular function. – Maps and globes are important tools in our geography lessons.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study or experience. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events shape our present world.
Feedback – Information or criticism about someone’s performance or work, used as a basis for improvement. – Our teacher gives us feedback on our essays to help us improve our writing skills.
