Sympathy and Compassion

The ability to truly understand and feel someone else's emotions. You are able to look at things from their perspective (step in their shoes).

• sympathy

• empathy

• compassion

A new student moved into your class in the middle of the year and has not made any new friends yet.

How can you show compassion towards this student?

• Express that you feel sorry for them.

• Explain to them that you can relate because you were new to soccer team earlier this year and had trouble making new friends at first.

• Explain how you can relate and invite the new student to join your group or sit with you at lunch.

Another student is making fun of a kid in your class because he has holes in his shoes.

Which response below is showing compassion?

• "I'm so sorry they keep picking on you!"

• "What that classmate is saying is not right and you deserve to be treated better than that."

• "I overheard that student making comments about your shoes the other day and I just wanted to let you know I talked to them after class and explained to them that how they are behaving shows a lot about their character and you never know what someone else is going through. Sorry you had to deal with that."

Which description below is not considered a way to help show compassion?

• do something kind without being asked

• think carefully about the words you say

• look for ways to help

• offer words of encouragement

• be quick to react and judge someone (without trying to put yourself in their shoes)

One of your classmates doesn't have too many friends and their birthday is this weekend. How can you show compassion? Select all that apply.

• Getting them a gift and going to their party.

• Giving them a birthday card and telling them Happy Birthday.

• Nothing, just tell other people.

• Offer to go but don't go.

True or False: It cost money to have compassion.

• True

• False

True/False: Compassion is an act of kindness.

• True

• False

Your best friend broke their hand recently and is struggling with doing daily tasks. How can you show compassion? Select all that apply.

• Empathize with them, but do nothing.

• Offer to help them during this tough time

• Tell them to use their other hand, they can be ambidextrous (able to use both hands).

• Do as much as you can for them.