Empathy Book Club: Back-to-School

Activity Objectives

Students will read books about making new friends by practicing skills such as open-mindedness, vulnerability, and empathy
‍
Then, students will share their insights and personal experiences during a follow-up discussion

‍
This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skills: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills.

The Empathy Book Club focuses on books which enhance students' empathy skills, such as compassion, perspective taking, and relating to others' emotions. This set of books focuses on making new friends and offers options for different grade levels. Use the following questions to guide students through a discussion around the recommended titles. You can do this either with your own class or with your Empatico partner class (e.g. during a live Empatico Exchange or virtually through a tool like Flipgrid, Wakelet, or Padlet).

For Grades K-2

The Day You Begin

Reflect on how we can build new friendships after reading the book "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López.

How does the main character feel at the beginning of the book? How does she feel as she begins to share about her summer, and how do her classmates respond to her story?
‍
Have you ever felt like the “new kid” or like you didn’t belong? What happened? How did it make you feel? Was there anything that someone did (or could have done) to make you feel welcome?
‍
What are some ways that you can make others feel welcome? What’s one action that you want to take this week?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template

For Grades 3-5

The Other Side

Reflect on how we can build new friendships after reading the book "The Other Side" by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E. B. Lewis.

In the beginning of the book, how does Clover feel when she sees Annie across the fence? How does her mother react to Clover’s curiosity, and why do you think she reacted this way?
‍
Why does Clover finally decide to talk to Annie? How do things change after that between the children?
‍
What does Annie mean when she says, “Someday somebody’s going to come along and knock this old fence down.” What is her hope for the future?
‍
What do you think the fence represents? Are there “fences” that you’ve noticed or experienced in your own life? What are they, and why do they exist?
‍
What are some ways that you want to try “crossing a fence”?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template

For Grades 6-8

Counting by 7s

Reflect on how we can build new friendships after reading the book "Counting by 7's" by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

At the beginning of the book, how does Willow feel about her family’s accident and starting a new school?
‍
How is Willow able to find joy and process her grief by the end of the book? Which characters does Willow build connections with throughout the book? How do these relationships impact Willow’s experience dealing with the loss of her parents and navigating school?
‍
What labels or categories is Willow assigned throughout the book by others at school? How do these labels make her feel? Have you ever been assigned labels by others at school? How did these labels make you feel, and how did you react?
‍
What connections with family members, friends/classmates, or teachers have helped you get through challenging times in the past? Which relationships help you find joy during tough times?
‍
What are some ways you can offer support to peers who are experiencing challenging times?

Empatico Exchange

Flipgrid Activity

Wakelet Template