On a recent walk with my dog, soaking up the sunshine and trying to clear my head, I noticed a car in my neighbor’s driveway. Its license plate frame caught my eye.
It said, “____ Your Feelings.” (You can fill in the blank, but you get the idea.)
It struck me like a jolt.
Is this where we are now?
It doesn’t matter what side of the political spectrum people are on—this isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity.
When did feelings become disposable?
We all have the capacity to care, to look beyond ourselves, and to turn a mirror into a window.
So why do people choose not to?
“Hear My Feelings. See My Feelings. Notice My Feelings.”
These are simple asks. At the core, every human wants to feel valued, seen, and understood. Empathy is what makes this possible.
Yet, in a world so divided, it seems harder than ever for people to extend empathy to others.
How do we get there?
How does the paradigm shift?
We talk so often about “upskilling” in terms of hard and soft job skills, but what about empathy upskilling?
Empathy isn’t a magical trait some people are born with—it’s a skill. Like any other skill, it can be taught, honed, and practiced.
Empathy in Education: A Critical Soft Skill for Adolescents
This is especially true for adolescents. During secondary school years, students experience an overwhelming convergence of brain development, hormones, emotions, trauma, and lived experiences.
They’re navigating a world of emotional uncertainty while trying to figure out who they are.
And yet, we expect them to naturally “grow up” with deep empathy for others. Why? Simply because they’re human?
Empathy isn’t automatic. Like any other skill, it needs explicit instruction and modeling.
Secondary students, in particular, need safe spaces where they can explore, fail, and try again when it comes to understanding others.
Here’s where Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes into play. Adolescents must feel emotionally safe before they can reach their full potential.
Empathy education helps build that foundation of safety, belonging, and mutual respect.
From License Plate Frames to Real Change
Social media, bumper stickers, and yes, license plate frames, spread messages every day.
What if we used that same energy to spread empathy? What if we taught students not only to value differences but to celebrate the unique qualities that make us all human?
Empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must-have.
It’s the bridge that connects people in a divided world, and teaching it in schools can make all the difference.
Empathy in Action: “Walk in My Shoes”
If you’re a secondary educator, you know how important it is to help students step out of their comfort zones. That’s why I created the “Walk in My Shoes” lesson—a practical, powerful way to teach empathy in the classroom.
This lesson encourages students to reflect on others’ experiences, expanding their perspectives and strengthening their empathy muscles.
It’s a bold step, but one that makes a lasting impact.
Want to learn more? Click on the lesson to go to my TPT store and see it in action.
Follow my blog for ideas, insights, and free social-emotional learning (SEL) resources.
Together, we can create classrooms where empathy is taught, valued, and celebrated. 🌟
Final Thoughts
Empathy is the soft skill of 2024.
It’s the one thing that connects us all. It’s time to stop dismissing feelings and start building them into the fabric of our schools, workplaces, and communities.
Let’s start today. 🌍❤️
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