In today's world, where interactions between people are key, the ability to empathize is becoming a fundamental element of modern education. Especially in the context of teaching English, where communication and understanding different perspectives play a key role, empathy can be not only a tool, but also a value that shapes the educational environment. Let's take a look at how empathy plays a significant role in Home of Bears English Language School.
Empathy as the foundation of modern education
Empathy is the ability to understand and empathize with other people's emotions and situations. In an educational context, it is a key skill not only for building positive relationships between students and teachers, but also for developing communication skills, resolving conflicts, and building a school community based on respect and understanding.
At Home of Bears English Language School, empathy is not just an abstract concept, but an integral part of every lesson taught in Pandas (kindergarten), Grizzly (primary school) and Polars (secondary school). Children and young people are encouraged to express their feelings, understand the point of view of others and see the diversity of perspectives. This openness to cultural differences and personal experiences supports the process of learning English, which is not only about mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also about the ability to communicate and build intercultural relationships.
How do we do this in practice in our additional English classes? We have already provided several examples of how we support building empathy, or rather reminding ourselves of it, in our children and our youth. So reminding ourselves, because in reality all people have empathy in their starting system, only socialization and cultural norms make us forget about its existence. And instead of connecting with each other in a drunken way when it is difficult for us, or when we want to celebrate, we go into criticism, evaluation, epithets and comparisons. In Home of Bears we consciously go against the current and consciously choose other ways to reach the goal. And the tool that accompanies us throughout the process is empathy. Here are some basic examples:
- Practical exercises in empathy: mentors at Home of Bears organize practical exercises and games that help children and young people see that our perspectives are different because our experiences are different;
- Discussions and debates: Organizing debates on social and cultural issues encourages children and young people to express their opinions, listen to others and seek compromises. It is a great opportunity to practice empathy in the context of different points of view and arguments.
- Games with elements of grammar and theatre – role-playing – defined, where it is precisely described what kind of character I am, where I come from and what I look like – allows you to feel a perspective other than your own. At the same time, this role-playing gives you the opportunity to experience otherness in your own body.
“Why should we show empathy to children during English classes?” - such questions are not unfounded. After all, we are taught - culturally - that during additional English classes, children are supposed to: sit at desks, write tests, copy words and have unhappy faces, and when they have to go to class, they have to say: “Oh no, I don't want to go there!” - do you see that? That's when many parents (you would be surprised how many there are) believe that it is an effective use of time, because the child does not like it, it means that they feel that they are learning. Later, there are also sentences like “I had a teacher who was so strict and demanding that I was shaking when I went to those classes, but thanks to that I learned this language”. So if this is how you imagine your child's language education - then our English language school is definitely not the place for you. Because we teach through relationships, we teach so that children and young people know that they are in a safe space, where mistakes are welcomed and not punished, where we see each other with what we bring and thanks to this we look at each other from the perspective of needs. And for such a connection - empathy is necessary for us. We also want such societies for ourselves in the future. That is why we choose to teach at a deep level - not for a moment, not for a test, not for an answer, but for life - simply. Simple, but not easy. Sure! At the same time "Everything worth doing, worth doing imperfectly".
So what are the benefits of strengthening empathy in English classes?
- Better intercultural communication: people who practice empathy are more open to cultural diversity and are better at intercultural communication.
- Conflict reduction: The ability to empathize helps in resolving conflicts and building positive interpersonal relationships.
- Support for personal development: Empathy-based education supports not only linguistic development, but also personal development, increasing awareness of oneself and others.
Empathy is not just an addition to education, but a fundamental element that shapes the interpersonal and intercultural skills of children and young people. At Home of Bears English Language School, empathy is a value that shapes the atmosphere during classes and supports the process of learning English. Integrating empathy in classes not only increases the effectiveness of teaching, but also prepares young generations to function effectively in a global society.
Would you like your child to join our English school?
Enroll them in a course today and enjoy the peace of mind of accessing available places for classes.
Our educational path is so well thought out that when you enroll your child in a kindergarten or first-grade course, you can be sure that they will develop their language skills in a harmonious manner.
We invite you to register via our website: www.homeofbears.pl – courses tab, then application form.
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