Fun with Character: Testing the Theory

Empathy is seen as a prevention for bullying behaviors by increasing the connectedness among the students.  This exercise will demonstrate how our behaviors can connect us.  Start by discussing that there is a theory that bullies hurt other people because they are also hurting.  There is a mistaken belief that if you make other people hurt when you hurt, it helps your own hurt go away.  Let’s put that theory to the test.

Have the students answer these questions with thumbs up or thumbs down.

How do you feel when someone does something kind for you?

How do you feel when you do something kind for someone else?

How do you feel when someone does something that is not nice to you?

How do you feel when you do something that is not nice to someone else?

How do you feel when those around you are happy?

How do you feel when those around you are sad?

If you are grumpy and you grumble at people around you, how will that make them feel?

We’ve already said that you feel sad around sad people, so being grumpy towards others can actually make you more miserable!

If you are sad and you want to be around happy people to help you feel better, should you do mean things or nice things?

Does this mean we shouldn’t feel sad?

It’s okay to feel sad.  It’s not okay to take it out on other people.  If you are sad a lot, tell a trusted adult who can help you figure out what you can do.