Skills Guide
Teaching: Empathy
Empathy
Why This Skill Matters
Empathy supports resilience by helping students understand others’ perspectives and respond with care. Without empathy, misunderstandings and conflict increase, often leading to isolation or damaged relationships. Teaching empathy helps students build stronger connections, reduce conflict, and develop social awareness that supports belonging and cooperation.
Student Challenges This Skill Helps Address
- Bullying or insensitive behavior
- Peer conflict
- Difficulty understanding others’ feelings
How WhyTry Builds This Skill
WhyTry builds empathy through the Peer Influence & Positive Relationships unit, where students examine how actions affect others and practice perspective-taking. Positive Self-Image reinforces this work by helping students recognize strengths in themselves and others. Facilitators guide reflection and discussion that deepen understanding and compassion within peer relationships.
Peer Influence & Positive Relationships
(“Climbing Out”)
In Peer Influence & Positive Relationships, empathy is developed through perspective-taking and reflection on how actions affect others. Facilitators guide students to examine group dynamics, peer conflict, and social choices, helping them understand emotions beyond their own. Processing emphasizes listening, respect, and awareness of impact—key components of resilient relationships.
Positive Self-Image
(“Labels”)
Positive Self-Image supports empathy by helping students develop self-respect and internal security. Facilitators help students understand that when they feel more confident in who they are, they are better able to show care and respect for others. This unit reinforces empathy by reducing defensiveness and increasing openness to others’ experiences.