The Empathetic Classroom
Created by Steven Stack
Why should you take a class on empathy? And why is theatre the perfect vehicle for empathy?
Empathy, the more sought-after and inclusive cousin of sympathy, is the experiencing of someone else’s experience in the world. What it would be like if you were wearing their clothes, their life?
Teaching students to understand the clothes that they’re putting on, the characters and their lives teaches students not how to act but how to be. It allows the students to feel what someone else feels and experiences, which can and should translate to their fellow actors and peers away from the stage. It will lead to a stronger class connection, stronger performances and stronger students who will seek out understanding instead of isolation and fear.
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1Lesson 1Introduction13:29 FREE PREVIEWAn introduction to the course, including the instructor's inspiration for building an empathetic classroom.
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2Lesson 2AThe First Link13:55 FREE PREVIEWThis lesson covers the first link of the empathetic classroom - yourself, ourselves, the you.
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2Lesson 2BThe First Link19:44This lesson covers activities that can help in forming the first link - students connecting with themselves.
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3Lesson 3AThe Second Link15:58This lesson focuses on the second link in the empathy chain, a link with others.
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3Lesson 3BThe Second Link14:15This lesson continues to introduce activities focused on building links with others.
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4Lesson 4The Third Link20:20This lesson focuses on the third link in the empathy chain in which students connect with their characters.
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5Lesson 5AThe Fifth Link and Troubleshooting16:36This lesson discusses the fifth link - between ourselves and the outside world, and how students can make all links stronger.
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5Lesson 5BThe Fifth Link and Troubleshooting12:42This final lesson wraps up the course and completes the discussion on troubleshooting issues you may encounter.
Standards Addressed
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 6
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 7
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Proficient
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 6
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade HS Accomplished
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