Empathy Chat
How to:
In pairs, use our question prompts to get to know each other better. Spend a few minutes with one person asking questions, and the other answering, and then switch.
Cut the questions out and share around the room, or give out the whole sheet to each pair. Works well in combination with the Empathy Reflections activity.
DOWNLOAD our FREE resources to support this activity. Register for the resources with the link below, if you have already registered, find the link to our resources pages in your email inbox.
For younger children
- invite them to sit in pairs around the room, away from desks if they wish – however they are comfortable
- try doing this for a short time each day over the festival and ask children to pair up differently each day – are they surprised by answers they get when speaking to people they know less well?
- Invite an adult to answer the questions – the head teacher, or a visitor – were there any answers they found particularly interesting?
For older children and young people
- make calm and cosy spaces with cushions, etc in the library, reception, playground, or gathering space to encourage Empathy Chats to take place
- try mixing up across year groups – what can the oldest and youngest learn about each other?
- send this activity home over the weekend – what answers from their parents and caregivers surprise them?