Social Emotional Learning For Kids: Benji, the Bad Day, and Me

Welcome to our video! Today, I’m excited to share a story that will help us understand empathy. As you watch, listen carefully to the feelings of the characters and think about a time when you felt a strong emotion.

[Scene: A cozy living room in the morning]

Narrator (in a warm and friendly tone): "Meet Sammy. Sammy woke up excited for a new day, but sometimes even the best days can turn a bit sad. Today, something unexpected happens…"

[Scene: Sammy gets ready for school]

Narrator: "On his way to school, Sammy faces a series of little mishaps—spilling his breakfast, missing the bus, and even losing a favorite pencil. Each little setback makes him feel a bit more upset."

[Scene: Sammy at school feeling low]

Narrator: "At school, Sammy isn’t alone. His brother Benji, watching from afar, notices that Sammy’s smile is missing. Benji knows just what to do—he remembers a time when he felt lonely too, and he understands how Sammy must be feeling."

[Scene: Benji approaches Sammy with a kind smile]

Narrator: "Benji kneels beside Sammy and says, 'It looks like you’re having a tough day. I know that feeling. Want to talk about it?' With these simple words, Benji shows empathy—a caring way of understanding someone else's feelings."

[Scene: Sammy begins to share his feelings, and both siblings share a warm, understanding moment]

Narrator: "Soon, Sammy feels a little bit better knowing that someone truly understands him. This is what empathy is all about—sharing in the emotions of others and offering a kind heart when it’s needed most."

As the video ends, take a moment to think about what you’ve seen. How do you think Sammy felt in these moments? And how do you think Benji’s simple act of kindness made a difference?

Let's keep these ideas in mind as we continue our lesson on empathy. Enjoy the video and remember: understanding each other is a superpower we all have!

Empathy Discussion

Welcome to the discussion on empathy! In this part of the lesson, we will share our thoughts and explore our own experiences with empathy. Below are some questions and guidelines to help you reflect on what you've learned, especially from the video and slide deck.

Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on the Video:

   • What part of the video did you connect with the most? Why?
     
     
     

2. Exploring Feelings:

   • Think about a time when someone showed empathy towards you or when you showed empathy towards someone else. What happened and how did it make you feel?
     
     
     

3. Understanding Empathy:

   • In your own words, what does empathy mean to you after watching the video and using the slide deck? Do you think empathy is a skill we can get better at? Explain your thinking.
     
     
     

4. Real-Life Application:

   • Can you think of a situation at school, home, or with your friends where you can use empathy? Describe the situation and what you might say or do.
     
     
     

Guidelines for Sharing

• Take Your Time: Think carefully about your answers. Write as much or as little as you want.
  
  
  
• Be Honest: There are no right or wrong answers here; we want to understand your perspective.
  
  
  
• Respect Others: Listen carefully to your peers if you're sharing in a group, and be supportive and kind in your responses.
  
  
  
• Ask Questions: If you’re not sure what someone means, it's perfectly okay to ask for clarification.
  
  
  

Feel free to use the space below for writing your thoughts and responses. Remember, sharing your feelings and experiences is a great way to learn and grow.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say about empathy and how it plays a role in your everyday life!