Empathy Assembly: Understanding the Impact of Our Words and Actions

by the Upper Primary Teachers in collaboration with the Guidance Office

Recently, our Upper Primary students participated in an insightful assembly designed to help them understand the importance of empathy and how their actions and words can either positively or negatively impact others. Through engaging activities, students had the opportunity to analyze different scenarios, reflecting on how empathy can shape their interactions with peers.

The session focused on scenarios where words and actions affect others, guiding students to identify when they may unintentionally hurt someone. They learned to differentiate between being "mean" and engaging in "bullying," emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in everyday communication. The assembly included a meaningful exercise where students wrote heartfelt notes to three different people:

1. The person receiving hurtful words: To offer support and comfort.

2. The person who said something unkind: To help them understand the impact of their words.

3. The bystander: To encourage them to step up and support those in need.

Together, students reflected on how these scenarios sometimes occur at school and discussed strategies for being kinder to one another. The children came to the realization that, just like a piece of paper that becomes crumpled and creased after being repeatedly squeezed, words and actions can have lasting effects on others. Once something is said or done, it can be hard to take back, and it can make others feel sad or hurt.

In closing, the assembly underscored the importance of practicing empathy and making a commitment to positive change. Students agreed to remind each other to be kind, use appropriate words, and support their peers. It was a powerful reminder that we all play a role in fostering a school culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.