1. Empathy and Communication: giving and Getting Support
Part 1

2. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
This is a quote from an interview with an 8th grader. Let’s watch the interview

3. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
One of the topics we’ve discussed in our lessons is the importance of having empathy for others. Who can remind us what empathy is?
How did this boy show empathy?
One way we can have empathy and respond thoughtfully to the feelings and perspectives of others is by being an ally. The word “ally” may be familiar to you.

4. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
In this program, we refer to an ally as a person who makes a conscious decision to support someone because it is the right thing to do.
How was the boy in the interview an ally?
How did he know the other student?
To whom could you be an ally?
Today we are going to examine what it takes to be an ally, when to be an ally, and how an ally can give support.
We will also practice giving support and letting otehrs know you need support.

5. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Let’s listen to another example of being an ally. This time, pay careful attention to what skills the girl in this video used to be an ally.

6. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
The girl who was an ally in this story demonstrated several skills of an effective ally. What is one example of a skill that made her an effective ally?
Now with a partner think of three other skills an effective ally would use.
You have 3 minutes

7. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Sometimes you’ll be able to tell when people need support or help. You may have seen or heard about something bad that happened to someone. Or someone might look upset.
Listen to this next story and think about how this boy knew his friend needed help.

8. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
What are some clues that let this boy know that his friend needed support or help?
Sometimes it’s the actual situation that lets you know that someone needs an ally. What was the situation that let this boy know his friend needed support?
Sometimes you can tell that people need support. But sometimes it’s harder to tell. Some people don’t show outwardly that they’re upset, or they don’t feel comfortable asking for help. Sometimes just knowing about a difficult situation can alert you to the fact that someone might need support.
Can you think of a serious situation where you or someone you know needed an ally, but might have looked okay on the outside?

9. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Part 2

10. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
In many situations, being an ally is the best way to support a friend or classmate. But sometimes the best support comes from an adult. As an ally, you can help others recognize when an adult’s help is needed.
Let’s watch one last story.

11. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
The girl’s situation was very serious. Someone’s health and safety were in jeopardy. This is a good example of when you need to get support from an adult.
What are some other possible situations where an adult would be the better choice for getting support?

12. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Knowing how to communicate that you or a friend need help is very important. You need to be assertive.
From last year you may remember that there are three communication styles: assertive, aggressive, and passive.
If you are being assertive, what do you do?
If you are being aggressive, what do you do?
If you are being passive, what do you do?

13. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Tips for assertive communication
Look at the other person
Keep your head up and shoulders back
Use a calm voice
Use respectful, clear language

14. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Now, in pairs, you will practice using assertive communication to give and get support.
Let’s watch a video of students showing how the skill practice works.

15. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
First Student
Read the scenario to yourself
Explain the problem clearly to your partner
Ask for help or advice
Write 3 things to say to an adult
Second student
Listen carefully to the problem
Offer help or advice
Help the first student write 3 things to say

16. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Now second student turn around, student one pick a scenario
Math Grade
Your grade in math has dropped drastically in the last month. You know you’re missing some assignments, but you’re not sure which ones. You need to do something soon to bring up your grade, but you’re afraid to talk to your teacher. Explain your situation to a classmate and ask for help or advice.
Stolen Backpack
On your way to lunch, you see a 6th grader’s backpack stolen by an 8th grader you recognize. You feel sorry for the kid, but you’re not sure what to do. Explain the situation to a friend at your lunch table and ask for help or advice.

17. Empathy and Communication: Giving and Getting Support
Now first student turn around, student two pick a scenario
The Threat
Someone has threatened to beat you up. He says he’ll be waiting for you after school. You know he’s likely to follow through with this threat, and you’re really scared. Explain the situation to a friend and ask for help or advice.
The Test
You’re completely stressed out about a standardized test that’s coming up in a few days. You feel like your school, your parents, and your teachers are putting a lot of pressure on you to do well. You’re really afraid you’ll panic on the day of the test and your mind will go blank. Explain how you’re feeling to a friend and ask for help or advice.