#6thchat is used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other sixth grade educators from around the globe. Each session we discuss a topic voted on by #6thchat participants. It's a great way to help grow your PLN and share ideas with others.
Welcome to #6thchat! Please introduce yourself, what you teach, and where! I am Kristin, and I will be moderating tonight's chat. I teach ELA and SS in Lansing, MI
A1) Empathy can make or break a learning environment. It is a foundation of safety; Ss must believe that the community supports and desires to understand them and their beliefs. #6thchat
Teaching empathy helps students interpersonally and academically. When we can empathize with another's perspective we get along better, have civilized academic debates based on evidence, and have a greater overall understanding of the world around us. #6thchat
A1 In a world where so much is adult controlled, hard for S's to develop empathy through natural play. Finding it difficult for S to "relate" to each other. #6thchat
Teaching empathy helps students interpersonally and academically. When we can empathize with another's perspective we get along better, have civilized academic debates based on evidence, and have a greater overall understanding of the world around us. #6thchat
A1: Our classrooms are so diverse in every aspect and having an understanding of those differences and how impactful they can be needs to be shared by all Ss to truly have a community of learners. #6thchat
A1 #6thchat more than anything middle schoolers want to fit in. At times this may mean doing so at the expense of others feelings. Reading novels that teach lessons about empathy are helpful. It can be rough out there.
A1) Culture is huge! Empathy is a trait that may not come naturally to some. It can be taught and definitely modeled in schools.If want our Ss to show empathy, we must place high value on it. #6thchat
A2) Yes! Ss who lack empathy may laugh at other Ss (looks, speech, behaviors). 6th graders often "look" older (so we may expect more mature behavior) but they are developmentally so concerned about themselves that many do struggle to understand those around them. #6thchat
YES! lack of "feelings" for another student, understanding for someones experience. Hungry? go to the store, not enough money, get out your EBT card. #6thchat
A2: I have one class this year that the Ss are all just very hateful to one another. We are trying to focus on saying positive things about each other but it is a struggle. #6thchat
And sometimes I get frustrated when, right after a conversation on empathy, I witness a complete lack of it. I realize how long it takes for some to internalize this behavior. #6thchat
Great point, Brett. We (as a community) really need to empower our students by giving up some of our control. With guidance, they will thrive and make a difference. #6thchat
A2: The 6th social scene moves so fast. In these moments, many just don't stop to think before they act, often egocentrically. However, the flip side is that when given time to think, they can be so worldly in their compassion and understanding. They are ironic! #6thchat
That is rough when it is a class. It's good to have a plan, and it may mean setting aside other pieces of the day to focus on this important topic. #6thchat
A2 #6thchat read about and practice kindness daily. Give compliments. Comment positively on others work Some Ss are not inclined toward this but can be taught if practiced
Unfortunately I only see them for 50 min a day at the end so many problems of the day walk in my classroom with them. I do not mind taking class time to have empathy discussion tho. #6thchat
A3) Intentionally focusing on empathy helps to establish an environment where empathy is both practiced and expected. It helps Ss to know that empathy is a learned, necessary behavior. #6thchat
Misty, it sounds like you're really trying. I bet there are a few students that appreciate what you're working at. Ss know so much more about their peers than we do. #YouMatter#6thchat
A3: When empathy is explicitly taught we give value to diverse ideas and experiences and we set the expectation that this is something we expect to develop in our classroom throughout the year. #6thchat
A3: Ss are aware of their actions and the consequences. It ultimately leads to a safe and open place to learn through teamwork and trail and error. #6thchat
A4) I have a morning community meeting where we build in time for class discussions and read alouds. Have Ss discuss how a character or person might feel "if" X happened. Teach "point of view" and "perspective." Role model empathy. #6thchat
A4 We do lots of reading and discussing books such as Wonder. Right now we are doing expository writing about walking in someone else's shoes. #6thchat
#6thchat A4: I have a lesson in which I assign simulated disabilities randomly to Ss. They must complete the class with the disability. Boy, does it open their eyes!
A4: Definitely reading text together. It's hard to complain about our woes when we have @LindaSuePark bringing us true struggle through Salva's story in A Long Walk to Water. There are also great hands on activities with shoes that help teach empathy. #6thchat
Wow! I just checked the site. What a powerful experience. Thank you for sharing, Brett. This is why Twitter is so worthwhile. #6thchathttps://t.co/46hju7hClm
A5) This is an area where I need to improve. We have a newsletter and class website. I think that a regular, quick column with ideas/activities related to empathy might be a way to connect parents. Looking for more ideas here. #6thchat
Same. I need to be more intentional about sharing tips with parents. I'm good with photos and academic feedback, but am uncomfortable recommending resources for parenting. #6thchat
A5 Invite parents to be a part of our classrooms! When you see ALL children at school it's harder to believe the details of every single story you hear at the dinner table. Putting a face to our perceptions makes all the difference when trying to walk in another's shoes. #6thchat
A6) I have collected some resources on this @padlet for you. Please add any that you have, too! https://t.co/aGs38dL3FT Add books, ideas, websites, etc! Then, save the link! #6thchat
Maybe a Smore page a couple of times a year? If it's part of the classroom procedure, parents will take it as the norm. For busy parents, it would be a great resource. #6thchat
A6) I have collected some resources on this @padlet for you. Please add any that you have, too! https://t.co/aGs38dL3FT Add books, ideas, websites, etc! Then, save the link! #6thchat
A6: Learned about the hand project a couple of years ago at a conference. Studying this awesome work together really lets kids know they can be powerful when they notice others in need and ACT on that recognition! https://t.co/MTcLCfgd4P#6thchat
A7) I worry a lot about the detached nature of digital conversations and the lack of understanding Ss (and adults!) exhibit. I think helping Ss practice this through commenting on shared docs or backchannel communication is wise. Ss need to practice w/adult oversight. #6thchat
I just noticed that @padlet has a new board layout designed for backchannel communication, too. I need to check it out more. There are a few options, but this may be nice as my Ss are familiar w/Padlet. #6thchat
A7: Ss get lost in the anonymity of being online so the importance of empathy is greater. Showing them how to comment and discuss properly is needed. #6thchat
A7: This gets back to the speed of interactions factor. So hard to be empathetic when posting online is so fast and to "get in on the action" students post without thought about the responses they'll receive. They staying power of digital communication escapes 6ths too! #6thchat
A8) I am going to share Where Children Sleep. Will tie in perfectly to empathy and our culture unit in Social Studies. Thanks @hoffmanteambret for sharing! #6thchat
And because it's such a "new" area, our culture is still working on the norms and values expected. No easy answer here, but lots of work to do. #6thchat
It looks easy to do, and then, I assume the conversation is easily preserved to review, which could be great for post-discussion on comments, empathy, etc. #6thchat
A8 This conversation reminds me we have to show our kids the truth about the outcomes of what they say and do, especially when their actions cause harm. Students must be open to the idea that their assumptions about another may be wrong. #openminded#6thchat
Thanks to all of you who dropped in and participated in tonight's important never-ending topic of empathy. #6thchat I appreciate all of the ideas. #bettertogether#greatPLN
