1. Habits of Mind – Listening to Others with Understanding and Empathy

2. Listening to Others with Understanding and Empathy Day 1  Why is it important to listen to others with understanding and empathy?  Imagine the quality of life if listening without understanding and empathy was the norm.  Listening to others with understanding and empathy is what most of us try to do whenever we hear a family member or close friend share something with us that is considered “major”. How often do you attempt to listen with understanding and empathy to family members or close friends when nothing “earth-shattering” is being shared?

3. Listening with Understanding and Empathy Day 2 Pair Partner Activity: 1. One student is to share one life event with their pair partner. 2. The other student is to actively listen (without interruptions); pause (5 seconds) to reflect on what was said, body language, voice/tone inflection; then verbally paraphrase what the pair partner shared with evidence of understanding and empathy. 3. Sharing student: a) Did you feel listened to when you shared your story? Why or why not? b) Did you feel that your pair partner really understood/empathized with your story? Why or why not?

4. Listening with Understanding and Empathy Day 3 Pair Partner Activity: 1. The student who did not share their life event with their pair partner on yesterday will have their turn today. 2. The other student is to actively listen (without interruptions); pause (5 seconds) to reflect on what was said, body language, voice/tone inflection; then verbally paraphrase what the pair partner shared with evidence of understanding and empathy. 3. Sharing student: a) Did you feel listened to when you shared your story? Why or why not? b) Did you feel that your pair partner really understood/empathized with your story? Why or why not?

5. Listening with Understanding and Empathy Day 4  Two of your closest friends had an argument 2 days ago and are still not talking to each other. Close friend A feels justified in being angry and Close friend B for not showing up at his/her party after he/she promised to do so on 3 occasions. Close friend B is sad he/she was not able to show up at Close friend A’s party, but he/she feels that Close friend A did not take into consideration his/her social anxiety disorder when inviting Close friend B to large party with people Close friend B did not know.  What advice would you give to your two closest friend to resolve their disagreement without you serving as an on-going mediator?