{"id":4541,"date":"2020-05-21T10:26:33","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T14:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/new-england\/?p=4541"},"modified":"2025-02-18T14:00:02","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T19:00:02","slug":"how-to-teach-social-awareness-and-perspective-taking-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playworks.org\/new-england\/2020\/05\/21\/how-to-teach-social-awareness-and-perspective-taking-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Social Awareness and Perspective-Taking at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s now been over two months since schools closed in Boston and learning transitioned to the home. In our community and beyond, parents and educators are concerned about gaps in academic learning that will result from time away from teachers and barriers to remote schooling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But kids learn more at school than just reading and math. Whether students are in the classroom, on the playground, or walking through halls, schools provide kids with opportunities to learn and practice the skills they need to cope with stress, build relationships, and understand the world around them. During this time of uncertainty and isolation, it\u2019s essential that kids feel supported and engaged. That is why Playworks is committed to providing #PlayAtHome<\/a> resources to ensure that kids are able to play and learn critical skills at home every day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our featured #PlayAtHome Skills of the Week are <\/span>Social Awareness<\/b> and <\/span>Perspective-Taking<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Social awareness<\/i><\/b> is the ability to empathize with and understand the perspective of someone else, even though their background and culture might be different from yours.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Perspective-taking <\/i><\/b>is the ability to see a situation from the viewpoint of another person\u2013understanding their feelings, intentions, thoughts, or view of a particular situation.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

At school, kids practice social awareness and perspective-taking every day. When resolving conflicts, educators help students practice empathy by teaching them to put themselves in someone else\u2019s shoes. Role models like teachers, paraprofessionals, and Playworks Coaches model these skills by standing up for kids who are teased, providing extra academic support when they notice a student is struggling, or simply listening to a student who is feeling down.<\/p>\n

Skills like social awareness and perspective-taking are essential in helping kids form strong friendships and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Children who show empathy are less likely to bully their classmates. Because it is much easier to feel empathy for those who are similar to us or in close proximity to us, it is more important than ever that caregivers support kids to understand the perspectives of those who look and act differently from them or have different experiences at home.<\/p>\n

Here are some ways adults can support kids to practice social awareness, perspective-taking, and empathy at home:<\/b><\/h3>\n