kid friendly meaning of essay

How to Teach Your Child to Write an Essay – Step by Step

Children are naturally creative, and essay writing should come easy to them. But it usually doesn’t. 

So, how can you teach your child essay writing while making the process enjoyable for both of you?

I’m Tutor Phil, and in this article I’ll show you how to teach your child how to express thoughts on paper, even if some resistance is present.

We’ll first learn three principles that will help you make progress fast. And then we’ll go through the step-by-step process of teaching your child how to write an essay. 

Principle 1. Clarity equals motivation

We’ve all heard the expression: “You can lead the horse to the water, but you can’t make it drink.” One of your concerns can be your child’s motivation. 

You may be convinced that your child hates writing or is really bored with it. Perhaps your child will do anything to avoid sitting down to write. 

And you know what – any or all of the above may be true. But your child can still learn how to write an essay because it is not the lack of motivation per se that is the problem.

In this short video, Dr. Lee Hausner gives some eye-opening advice about motivating a child:

Here are the key points Dr. Hausner makes:

• You cannot create motivation in somebody else.
• Strong parents often mistakenly feel that they can transfer their motivation onto their children.
• Motivation is internal.
• Simplistic formula: “ Activity + Satisfaction = Motivation .”
• Conversely, “ Activity + Stress & Pressure = Avoidance .”
• Create an environment where your child can be successful and enjoy what he does. 
• Encourage and reward any small success and bit of progress. 

Let’s apply these principles to motivating a child in writing an essay. 

How to motivate a child to write

Chances are that if your child would rather not engage in writing, that is primarily because the process is fuzzy in his mind (and I’ll use the pronoun “he” to refer to your child throughout the tutorial, for the sake of elegance and brevity). 

You see, essay writing is not really taught in school. It is taught kind of sort of, but not really. 

Assigning a topic, grading the essays, and making suggestions for improvement is not teaching. It’s only a part of the process. 

To teach is to give the student a method, a step-by-step process, in which every step can be measured and improved. 

That’s what I’m about to give you. And that’s what you will need to effectively teach your child. 

But when a child does not have a step-by-step method, the process is fuzzy in his mind. And whatever is fuzzy is viewed as complicated and difficult because it’s like eating an elephant whole. 

Let’s revisit Dr. Hausner’s formula: “ Activity + Satisfaction = Motivation .”

Activity can be satisfying only if it is successful to some degree. When your child succeeds at something, and you acknowledge him for it, that becomes fun, enjoyable, and satisfying.

But you see, it’s hard to succeed at something without knowing what you’re doing. And even if you succeed, if you did not follow a recipe, then in the back of your mind you suspect that you probably can’t repeat or replicate the success.

Not knowing what to do while being expected to do it is a recipe for avoidance. And guess what – your child probably got his share of fuzzy instructions.

For example, consider this instruction:

“Tie it all together.”  

This statement is meaningless – to a child or even to an adult. What does it really mean to “tie it all together?” And yet, this is how they usually teach how to write a conclusion paragraph, as an example. 

But such a statement only creates fuzziness and demotivates.

So, in this tutorial, we’ll be cultivating clarity. I’ll be giving you crystal clear instructions so you could develop clarity in yourself and help your child develop it, too.

Principle 2. Writing is thinking on paper

An essay consists of sentences. The word “ sentence ” comes from the Latin word “sententia,” which means “thought.” 

Thus, to write literally means to express thoughts on paper. Why is this important?

This is important because by teaching your child how to write an essay, you’re really teaching him how to think . 

Your child will carry this skill through his entire life. It will be useful, even indispensable in:

• Acing standardized tests
• Writing papers in college
• Putting together reports and presentation professionally
• Defending a point of view effectively

You can tell I take essay writing seriously 🙂

But if you ever run out of patience yourself, just remember that you’re really teaching your child how to think. 

Principle 3. Essays are built not written

When you child hears the word “ write ,” he gets that queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. 

We’ll make it a lot easier for him by thinking of writing an essay and referring to it as just “ building an essay.”

If your child has ever loved playing with Lego, then the method you’re about to learn will feel familiar, both in terms of motivation and developing the skill. 

By the way, if you want to brush up your own essay writing skills before you sit down with your child to teach him, I highly recommend this article: Essay Writing for Beginners . 

All right – without further ado, here are…

Six steps to teaching your child essay writing: 

Step 1. Pick a topic and say something about it

In order to write, your child must write about something . That something is the subject of the essay. In this step, you want to help your child pick a topic and say something about it. 

In essence, you’re asking your child these two questions:

What will your essay be about?

• What about it?

For example, 

“My essay will be about grandma’s lasagna.”

“Okay. What about grandma’s lasagna?”

“It’s my favorite food.”

The result will be a complete main point, also known as the thesis. A thesis is the main point of the entire essay summarized in one sentence: 

“My grandma’s lasagna is my favorite food.”

Boom! Now, the reader knows exactly what this essay will be about. It is also clear that this is going to be a glowing review. 

Here’s my short video explaining what a thesis is:

When teaching a child, it’s important to keep the topic unilateral. In other words, it should be either positive or negative. It should be one simple idea. 

Don’t start out trying to develop a more complex topic that offers a balanced perspective with positives and negatives. Don’t do a compare/contrast, either. Keep it simple for now. 

This is the first step because the main point is the genesis for all other ideas in the essay . 

How to help your child pick a topic

Encourage your child to pick a topic he can get excited about because then he’ll be enthusiastic thinking and talking about it. 

Try to think of some of the things you know he is interested in. He can write an essay about absolutely anything.

It doesn’t have to be a serious or an academic subject. It could be anything from apple pie to Spiderman. 

Of course, the subject should be informed by your child’s age, as well. But once you sit down to work on essay writing, make it clear to your child that he can pick any topic he wants. 

Ask your child what he would like to write about or “build into an essay.” And whatever he chooses, just run with it. That’s what your first essay together will be about. 

Once you’re settled on the topic, just have your child write it down on a piece of paper or type it into the computer.

Here is a list of suggestions for essay topics to give a try:

• What I love the most about the summer
• My favorite thing to do on weekends
• John is my best friend because…
• Essay writing is…
• My least favorite day of the week is…
• My favorite season is…
• It is important to be brave (intelligent, skillful at something, etc.)
• If I could have any animal for a pet, it would be…
• My sister (brother) makes my life (exciting, difficult, etc.)
• Holidays are fun times (or dreadful times).

Remember – this is not the only or the last essay you’ll write together. Just encourage your child to pick a topic and write it down. Now, you’re ready for the next step. 

Step 2. Practice the Power of Three

We’re building our essays, remember? Not writing them. At least at this point, all you’ve done is encouraged your child to pick a topic. No writing involved yet.

In this step, no real writing is involved, either. It’s just a mental exercise, really. 

In writing or building an essay, it is necessary to break things into parts. Young children love to break things because they want to see how something works or what it looks like inside. 

How do you write an essay about an egg?

You must first divide the concept of an egg into parts. How do you do that? I highly recommend this simple technique I call the Power of Three. 

Three is an optimal number for a young brain, and really for adults, as well, to think about and process. Our brain thinks like this: “One, two, three, many.”

One doesn’t help us because you’re not dividing. Two is okay but not quite enough ideas to develop.

Three is easy to deal with while giving your child a challenge. And let’s set the record straight – thinking is not easy. It is challenging. This is why so few people teach it. 

But we’re making it fun by breaking it into steps and providing clear instructions. 

Okay, so back to the egg. Let’s apply the power of three to the idea of an egg:

You see, if we only have a whole egg as an idea, it’s like staring at the blank screen or sheet of paper. Nothing causes the writer’s block better than one solid piece.

But now that we’ve divided this idea into three sub-ideas, or supporting ideas, this makes our life discussing eggs a lot easier. 

Now, if we wanted to write an essay about eggs, we can discuss:

• The yolk and its color, taste, and nutritional content
• The egg white, its color, taste, and nutritional content
• The shell, its color, texture, and shape

Note that when we divide a topic or an idea, each part must be different from the other parts in some important ways. In other words, we want three distinct parts. 

You can use this part of the tutorial and ask your child to think about how to divide an egg into parts. It’s a very intuitive step, and your child will love the challenge. 

And by the way, you child may get very creative about it because the answer is not necessarily the yolks, the white, and the shell. It could be:

• Chicken eggs
• Ostrich eggs
• Boiled eggs

Whatever way to divide eggs into three concepts your child comes up with, approve and praise it. Now, let’s apply the power of three to an actual topic. 

We need a topic that we’ll use for the rest of the tutorial. Here it is:

“If I could have any animal for a pet, it would be a panther.”

Applying the Power of Three to an essay topic

Let’s apply what we just learned to this topic about a panther. Note that we have the entire thesis, a complete main point. Our subject is “a panther as a pet.”

We’re just using this example with an understanding that panthers don’t make good pets and belong in the wild. But since we asked, we should roll with the child’s imagination. 

Now, you want to encourage your child to come up with three reasons why he would choose a panther as a pet.

This is a challenging step. The first one or two reasons will come relatively easily. The third reason usually makes the child, anyone really, scratch his head a little.

Let’s come up with three reasons why a panther might make a great pet. 

Reason 1. Panthers are magnificently beautiful.

Great! That’s a good reason. 

Reason 2. A panther is more powerful than virtually any other pet.

That’s another legitimate reason to want a panther for a pet – you’re the king of the neighborhood, if not the whole town. 

And now, we’re thinking of reason 3, which will be the most challenging, so be ready for that. 

Reason 3. Panthers are loyal.

I’m making this one up because I really have no idea if panthers are loyal to their human owners when they have any. But I need a reason, this is just a practice essay, and anything goes. 

When your child comes up with a reason that is not necessarily true or plausible, let him run with it. What really matters is how well he can support his points by using his logic and imagination. 

Working with facts is next level. Right now, you want your child to get comfortable dividing topics into subtopics. 

The only criterion that matters is whether this subtopic actually helps support the main idea. If it does, it works. 

Step 3. Build a clear thesis statement 

Once you know the topic and the supporting points, you have everything you need to write out the thesis statement. Note that there is a difference between a thesis and a thesis statement.

Here’s a short video with a simple definition and example of a thesis statement:

Once you and your child have completed steps 1 & 2 thoroughly, step 3 is really easy. All you need to do is write out the thesis statement, using the information you already have. 

In fact, at this point, you should have every sentence of your statement and just need to put them all together into one paragraph. Let’s write out our complete thesis statement:

“If I could have any animal for a pet, it would be a panther, for three reasons. Panthers are magnificently beautiful. They are more powerful than virtually any other kind of a pet. And they are loyal.”

Note that we added the phrase “ for three reasons ” to indicate that we are introducing the actual reasons. In other words, we are building an introductory paragraph. We’re just presenting our main and supporting points here. 

When you read this opening paragraph, you unmistakably come away with a clear idea of what this essay is about. It makes a simple statement and declares three reasons why it is true. And that’s it. 

It is so clear that not even the least careful reader in the world can possibly miss the point. This is the kind of writing you want to cultivate in your child. Because, remember, writing reflects thinking. It would be impossible to write this paragraph without thinking clearly. 

Note also that there is no need for embellishments or other kinds of fluff. Elegant writing is like sculpture – you take away until there is no more left to take away. 

And guess what – we now have a great first paragraph going! Without much writing, we have just written the first paragraph. We were mostly building and dividing and thinking and imagining. And the result is a whole opening paragraph. 

Step 4. Build the body of the essay 

The body of the essay is where the main point is supported with evidence. Let’s revisit one of the rules of writing – to write an essay, you need to divide things into parts.

The body of the essay is always divided into sections. Now, since your child is presumably a beginner, we simply call the sections paragraphs. 

But keep in mind that a section can have more than one paragraph. An essay does not necessarily have the standard 5-paragraph structure. It can be as long as your child wants. 

But in this tutorial, each of our sections has just one paragraph, and that’s perfectly sufficient. 

How many sections will our body of the essay have? Well, we used the power of three, we came up with three supporting points, and so the body of the essay should naturally contain three paragraphs. 

How long should the paragraphs be? Let me show you how to gauge word count.

This is just an example of how you can teach your child to distribute the number of words across paragraphs. 

As you can see, our body paragraphs should probably be longer than the introductory paragraph and the conclusion. 

This is how I always teach my students to go about a writing assignment that has a certain word count requirement. The essay above will contain about 400 words.

If your child needs to write 600 words, then the following might be a good distribution:

• Introductory paragraph – 75 words
• Body paragraph 1 – 150 words
• Body paragraph 2 – 150 words
• Body paragraph 3 – 150 words
• Conclusion – 75 words

By doing this kind of essay arithmetic, it is easy to map out how much to write in each paragraph and not go overboard in any part of the essay. 

Body paragraph structure 

A paragraph in the body of an essay has a distinct structure. And this structure is not restrictive but it is rather liberating because your child will know exactly how to build it out.

The first sentence in the body paragraph is always the lead sentence. It must summarize the contents of the paragraph. 

The good news is that this sentence is usually a form of one of the sentences that we’ve already written. How so?

Well, in our thesis statement, we have three supporting points. Each of them is essentially a lead sentence for that section or paragraph of the essay. For example, consider this sentence from our thesis statement:

“Panthers are magnificently beautiful.”

This is the first reason that your child would like a panther as a pet. It is also a very clear standalone sentence. 

It is also an almost perfect lead sentence. I say “ almost ” because we don’t want to repeat sentences in an essay. 

So, we’ll take this sentence as a base and add one or two words to it. We can also change a word or two by using synonyms. That way, we’ll expand it just slightly and turn it into a perfect lead sentence for our first body paragraph:

“ Panthers are very beautiful and graceful animals.”

Okay, so we added the epithet “graceful,” but that’s okay because grace is virtually synonymous with beauty. And now we have a great lead sentence and are ready to proceed. 

Let’s write out the entire first body paragraph and see how it works:

“ Panthers are very graceful and beautiful animals. When portrayed in documentaries about animals, panthers are nicely balanced. They are not as huge as tigers or lions. And their size allows them to be nimble and flexible. Their size and agility make them move very beautifully, almost artistically. When I imagine walking with a pet like that on the street, I can see people staring at my panther and admiring its beauty. It would definitely be the most beautiful pet in my entire neighborhood.”

The first sentence, as we already know, is the lead sentence. The next three sentences explain how panthers’ balanced size and agility make them graceful. 

The following sentence is an explanation of how these qualities make them beautiful through the power of movement. 

And finally comes the most specific bit of evidence – an example. This child paints a perfect picture of himself walking his pet panther on a leash. People admire the animal’s beauty, and the kid gets a tremendous kick out of this experience. 

It is an example because it contains imagery, perhaps even sounds. It is a specific event happening in a particular place and time. 

As you can see, this paragraph proceeds from general to specific. It also follows the structure in the diagram perfectly. 

Guide your child through writing two more of these paragraphs, following the same organization. And you’re done with the body. 

Proceeding from general to specific

Argumentative (expository) essays always proceed from general to specific. Our most general statement is the thesis, and it’s the first statement in the essay. 

Then we have our supporting points, and each of them is more specific than the thesis but more general than anything else in the essay. 

Each lead sentence is slightly more specific than the preceding supporting points in the thesis statement. 

Then, an explanation is even more specific. And finally, examples are the most specific elements in an essay. 

When working with your child, cultivate this ability to see the difference between the general and the specific. And help your child proceed in that manner in the essay. 

This ability is a mark of a developed and mature writer and thinker. 

Step 5. Add the conclusion

I almost always recommend concluding an essay with a simple restatement. Meaning, your child should learn how to say the same things in different words in the conclusion. 

Why did I say, “almost?” Because some teachers will require that your child write a conclusion without repetition. 

In that case, the teacher should instruct the student what she expects to read in the conclusion. A great way to deal with this situation is to approach the teacher and ask what kind of a conclusion she expects. 

And she’ll say what she wants, and your child will simply abide. 

But in the vast majority of cases, simple restatement works just fine. All it really entails is writing out an equivalent of the thesis statement – only using different words and phrases. 

Here is our thesis statement:

And here’s our conclusion:

“I would love to have a panther as a pet. Panthers are such magnificent animals that everyone would admire my pet. People would also respect it and keep some distance because of its power. And the loyalty of panthers would definitely seal the deal.”

All we did was restate the points previously made. Let your child master writing this kind of a conclusion. And if you’d like a detailed tutorial on how to write conclusions, I wrote one you can access here . 

Step 6. Add an introductory sentence

The final step is to add one sentence in the first paragraph. I didn’t use to teach it because it’s perfectly fine to get straight to the point in an essay.

This little introduction is an equivalent of clearing your throat 🙂

However, teachers in school and professors in college expect some kind of an introduction. So, all your child has to do is add one introductory sentence right before the thesis. 

This sentence should be even more general than the thesis. It should kind of pull the reader from his world into the world of the essay. 

Let’s write such a sentence as our introduction:

“Not all pets are created equal, and people have their choices.”

And here’s our complete introductory paragraph:

And this concludes the tutorial. You can keep coming back to it as often as you want to follow the steps, using different topics. 

If you’d like the help of a professional, don’t hesitate and hit me up . 

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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What is Opinion Writing for Kids? A Beginner’s Guide

Opinion writing is a form of writing where you express your thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. It is a way to share your perspective on a subject and persuade others to see things from your point of view. Opinion writing is an important skill for kids to learn, as it helps them develop critical thinking and communication skills.

In opinion writing, you are encouraged to express your ideas and beliefs in a clear and concise manner. You can write about anything that interests you, from your favorite book to a current event. The key is to support your opinion with evidence and facts, and to present your argument in a logical and persuasive way. By learning how to write opinion pieces, kids can become more confident and effective communicators.

Understanding Opinion Writing

Definition of opinion writing.

Opinion writing is a type of writing in which you express your opinion or point of view on a topic. It is a way of sharing your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about a particular subject. In opinion writing, you are not just presenting facts, but also your own perspective on the topic. You can use evidence and examples to support your opinion, but your main goal is to convince the reader of your point of view.

Importance of Opinion Writing

Opinion writing is an important skill for kids to learn because it helps them develop critical thinking, communication, and persuasive skills. By expressing their opinions, kids learn how to organize their thoughts, use evidence to support their arguments, and communicate their ideas effectively. Opinion writing also helps kids develop empathy and understanding of different viewpoints, as they learn to consider other perspectives and respond to opposing arguments.

In addition, opinion writing can be a fun and engaging way for kids to express themselves creatively and explore their own interests and passions. It can be a way to share their thoughts on a variety of topics, from current events and social issues to books, movies, and video games.

Overall, opinion writing is an important skill that can benefit kids in many ways. By expressing their opinions and learning how to persuade others, kids can develop their communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity.

Components of Opinion Writing

Opinion writing is a type of writing where you express your thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. It is important to know the components of opinion writing so that you can write a clear and effective piece.

Stating Your Opinion

The first component of opinion writing is stating your opinion. This means that you need to clearly state what you think about the topic you are writing about. You can do this by writing a thesis statement, which is a sentence that summarizes your opinion.

For example, if you are writing about whether or not kids should have to wear school uniforms, your thesis statement might be, “I believe that kids should not have to wear school uniforms because it limits their self-expression.”

Supporting Your Opinion

The second component of opinion writing is supporting your opinion. This means that you need to provide reasons and evidence to support your opinion. You can do this by using facts, statistics, examples, and personal experiences.

For example, if you are writing about why you think kids should not have to wear school uniforms, you might provide reasons such as:

• School uniforms limit kids’ self-expression
• School uniforms can be expensive for families
• School uniforms do not necessarily improve academic performance

Concluding Your Opinion

The final component of opinion writing is concluding your opinion. This means that you need to wrap up your piece by restating your opinion and summarizing your reasons and evidence. You can also provide a call to action or a final thought.

For example, if you are concluding your opinion piece about school uniforms, you might write something like:

“In conclusion, I believe that kids should not have to wear school uniforms. By limiting self-expression and being expensive for families, school uniforms do not necessarily improve academic performance. It’s important for schools to consider alternative dress codes that allow for more individuality and creativity among students.”

Examples of Opinion Writing for Kids

Opinion writing is a type of writing where you express your thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. It is an opportunity for you to share your personal perspective on a subject, and it can be a fun and engaging way to practice your writing skills. Here are a few examples of opinion writing for kids:

Example 1: Movie Reviews

Movie reviews are a great way to practice opinion writing. After watching a movie, you can write a review sharing your thoughts and feelings about the film. You can talk about the plot, the characters, the setting, and anything else that stood out to you. Remember to use evidence from the movie to support your opinion, and to be respectful of other people’s opinions if they disagree with you.

Example 2: Book Reviews

Book reviews are similar to movie reviews, but instead of writing about a movie, you write about a book. You can talk about the characters, the plot, the writing style, and anything else that you liked or didn’t like about the book. Again, it’s important to use evidence from the book to support your opinion, and to be respectful of other people’s opinions.

Example 3: Editorial Writing

Editorial writing is a type of opinion writing where you write about a current event or issue. You can express your thoughts and feelings about the topic, and you can also suggest solutions or ways to address the issue. Editorial writing can be a powerful way to make your voice heard and to advocate for change.

Remember, when writing an opinion piece, it’s important to have a clear thesis statement that states your opinion, to use evidence to support your opinion, and to be respectful of other people’s opinions. With practice, you can become a skilled opinion writer and share your unique perspective with the world.

Tips for Writing an Opinion Piece

Writing an opinion piece can be a fun and exciting way to express your thoughts and ideas. Here are some tips to help you write a great opinion piece.

Choosing a Topic

The first step in writing an opinion piece is to choose a topic that you feel strongly about. It could be something you have experienced, seen, or heard about in the news. Make sure it’s a topic that you can research and gather information on to support your argument.

Using Persuasive Language

When writing an opinion piece, it’s important to use persuasive language to convince your reader of your point of view. Use strong and clear language to express your ideas and opinions. Use examples and evidence to support your argument and make it more convincing.

Staying Focused

It’s important to stay focused on your topic and not get sidetracked. Make sure your writing stays on topic and doesn’t wander off into other areas. Use clear and concise sentences to get your point across.

In summary, writing an opinion piece can be a great way to express your thoughts and ideas. Choose a topic that you feel strongly about, use persuasive language, and stay focused on your topic. With these tips, you can write a great opinion piece that will get your message across.

In conclusion, opinion writing is a fun and creative way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. By using persuasive language and strong arguments, kids can convince their readers to agree with their point of view.

Remember, when writing an opinion piece, it’s important to clearly state your opinion and provide reasons to support it. Use examples and evidence to back up your arguments and make sure to address any counterarguments that may arise.

Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience and their perspective. Think about what they may already know or believe about the topic and tailor your writing to appeal to them.

Overall, opinion writing is a valuable skill for kids to develop as it encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and confidence in expressing one’s own ideas. So go ahead and start writing your own opinion pieces – your voice matters!

Kids Who Learn

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My Kid Can’t Write an Essay Without Having a Meltdown

She gets overwhelmed every time—but breaking down the assignment into smaller steps could help her manage it.

Editor’s Note: Every Tuesday, Abby Freireich and Brian Platzer take questions from readers about their kids’ education. Have one? Email them at [email protected].

Dear Abby and Brian,

My daughter is in ninth grade and is really struggling with essay writing. English, history, the subject doesn’t matter—she has a meltdown every time. She just stares at the screen and doesn’t know where to start.

I try to remember what I learned in high school about the Roman empire or Robert Frost to get her going. I’ve tried to leave her alone, or to sit there doing the work along with her. None of it ever seems to help. I find myself dreading her getting an essay assignment, because whenever she does, the night before it’s due nearly always ends with her in tears or yelling at me.

What can I do?

Julia Virginia

Dear Julia,

Seeing your daughter so upset when confronted with writing assignments can be painful. We appreciate your instinct to help, but neither leaving your daughter alone nor sitting there doing the work along with her is the right approach. What will help is taking an assignment that overwhelms her and breaking it down into a series of small, manageable steps that she can do on her own. The goal is not to get an essay written no matter what, but to set her up for being an independent, confident student who doesn’t rely on you at every turn.

You’ll want to sit down with her and say something like “I know essay writing has been really hard, but it will help if you can think about it as a set of smaller steps and budget enough time for each.” Then go through these steps with her:

• Read the material, highlighting important points and taking notes.

This is the starting point for any good essay writing. Suggest that even before she is assigned a writing prompt, she begins taking notes on the material as she reads it. Annotation should serve as a conversation with the text: She should mark significant or reaction-provoking passages and jot down a few words about why they are noteworthy.

• Review the notes, looking for one thread that ties everything together.

This is how she will begin building her thesis. Teachers sometimes disagree over whether students should start with a working thesis and then find evidence to build their case, or start with examples and see where they lead. We believe that the thesis and examples should be developed together; as your daughter narrows down evidence, her thesis can evolve.

• Write topic sentences for each of the body paragraphs, and then match topic sentences with examples and analysis to build an outline.

Your daughter should think about defending her thesis with a series of sub-arguments, each expressed as a topic sentence for her body paragraphs. Many students have difficulty connecting their arguments to evidence, because they are inclined to summarize the material rather than critically evaluate it. Your daughter can ask herself what her examples reveal about her topic sentences and then delve into the importance of word choice and literary devices as is relevant.

• Write introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

With topic sentences, examples, and analysis for each body paragraph together in outline form, your daughter can move on to her introduction and conclusion. The focus of her introduction should be general background information leading up to the thesis, and the conclusion should offer new insight into the significance of the topic and a parting thought for the reader to ponder.

• Use the outline, introductory paragraph, and conclusion to write a first draft.

Once she has completed an outline, she’ll have a straightforward road map for writing a draft with more thoroughly developed ideas.

• Look over the draft twice: once to ensure that the argument flows logically and a second time to eliminate errors in grammar and syntax, as well as to sharpen word choice.

We recommend that all editing be done while reading the work aloud from a printed draft, pencil in hand. Once these revisions are implemented, she’ll have a final draft ready to go.

If a single major assignment becomes six minor ones, your daughter is far less likely to feel overwhelmed. This process, from start to finish, will take about a week, so she should plan accordingly. With a calendar in front of her, she should look at what assignments she has coming up for the rest of the semester and mark deadlines for each of these steps so that she won’t have to rush at the end. Remember that writing always takes longer than it seems it should. Helping your daughter plan well in advance should allow her to approach writing with less trepidation and instead see it as a process composed of clear, manageable steps.

As she does this more and more, she’ll find that her belief in herself will grow—and you won’t cringe when you hear about the English essay due next week.

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Essays For Kids

List of english essay topics for kids.

Writing essays is the most important aspect of educational growth. It enables kids to expand their thinking abilities on different subjects. Additionally, Essays For Kids improves reading and writing skills. We all know that it is necessary to learn the English language for better academic knowledge and overall communication skills. Therefore, you can enhance their language skills by giving essays for kids.

While writing essays, they will be able to develop good writing skills. Initially, you can improve your child’s writing skills by giving them a topic of their choice. It is not easy to acquire writing skills with one or two essays, you need to have regular practice of writing essays to upgrade your skills. Here you will find different types of essays for kids on various topics. 

Explore Essays For Kids

We will be updating more Essays for kids soon

Tips To Write Essay For Kids 

Essays are nothing but information that is written based on what you feel and think about the topics that you are writing. From an early age, kids are given an opportunity to write short essays on different topics such as family, favorite destination, national animal, etc. Eventually, they will start writing more complex topics related to their subjects. With this, kids tend to express their thoughts and ideas about what they have experienced. Additionally, they will express their perception in essays. Here are some of the tips to write essays mentioned below: 

• Carefully think about the assigned topics.
• Search for the authentic information. 
• Jot down the points while searching for the information.
• Structure the content properly from introduction to conclusion. 
• Use simple and understandable language.
• Proofread the essays and check for grammatical mistakes. 
• Practice writing essays on a regular basis. 
• Encourage kids to read and write essays. 

Benefits of Essays For Kids 

Essays are the best way to explore creativity in writing. Therefore, it is important to inculcate this habit among the children. This will help them to think about the topics that they are writing about in a broader perspective. Moreover, it helps them to improve their spoken and written English. Some of the benefits of essays for kids are mentioned below: 

• Develops vocabulary skills. 
• Gains knowledge on various topics. 
• Develops reading and writing skills. 
• Enables expression of ideas and thoughts effectively. 
• Develops good communication skills. 
• Enables kids to structure the content properly. 
• Promotes critical thinking skills among kids. 
• Builds own perspectives and ideas on topics that they are interested in. 
• Increases the understanding of the concept that they are learning. 
• Improves grammar and language skills. 
• Develops research and analytical skills among children. 
• Enables children to think, interpret and write the information effectively. 

Essays for kids on different topics will enable them to gain knowledge. This will help them to develop their writing along with other essential skills. Check out the above list of topics on essays for kids. 

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Expository Writing: Teaching Kids to Inform & Explain

September 30, 2019 by Room 213 Leave a Comment

Expository Writing: Teaching Kids to Inform & Explain

So you are  teaching expository writing  and here’s the outcome for your students:  Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

It sounds a little dry, doesn’t it? I mean, how do you make that engaging and enticing for your writers?  

1. HOOK THEM:

Well, first of all, you need to show them  why  it’s important to learn to introduce and develop “precise claims” and to “ examine and convey complex ideas.” You do this by explaining that, yes, they need to write this way to be successful in school, but you should also show them that expository writing is everywhere in their lives. In fact, most of them probably read and write it every day. Ask them how many have recently read an on-line review or an on-line article about something. Hook students into the process by showing them high-interest examples of this form of writing that they will be very familiar with. For example, you might find  reviews  of a new and hot video game, or for a local restaurant.

3. PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE INFORMING & EXPLAINING:

For example, when I teach my students how to write a definition essay, we begin with an activity where each group is assigned a word, and they have to work together to brainstorm and develop ideas that will help them define it. And, of course, students will be defining words that are relevant to them, so I get more buy-in.

This activity, combined with the mentor texts that illustrate what a definition essay looks like, gives the students a much better idea of how to write one of their own. 

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Thesis statement facts for kids

In an essay or research paper, a thesis statement is a statement at the start or the end of an introduction that shows the reader the argument of the essay. A thesis statement gives concise information about what the whole essay is about, including the topic of the paper. It is usually just one sentence but it may have more than one sentence. The thesis statement is explained further using body paragraphs. Thesis statements are not obscure, because obscurity happens when a "writer is himself not quite sure of his meaning. He has a vague impression of what he wants to say, but has not, either from lack of mental power or from laziness, exactly formulated it in his mind, and it is natural enough that he should not find a precise expression for a confused idea.” ( W. Somerset Maugham ). Clarity and unity of a thought in an essay flows from a good thesis statement. Rubrics of a good essay involve good sentence development and formation acceptable to grammatical standards and relevant word choices organized in forms of phrases, clauses and sentences.

Characteristics

The thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the course of the paper by means of examples and evidence . Thesis statements help organize and develop the body of the writing piece. They let readers know, what the writer's statement is and what it is aiming to prove. A thesis statement does not necessarily forecast organization of an essay which can be more complex than its purpose.

The thesis statement will reflect the kind of paper being written. There are three kinds of papers: analytical, expository, and argumentative. The structure of a thesis statement depends upon the nature of controlling essay type. In simple terms, first a thesis statement will have a main topic sentence formed from questioning the topic, then the writer's statement regarding the topic sentence, and finally ends with the specific supporting points detailing the writer's statement for justifying its relation with the topic sentence. In general, it should have a supportable opinion (specific/focused) and clear intent for the essay.

• This page was last modified on 16 October 2023, at 16:53. Suggest an edit .

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60 Best Essay Topics for Kids: Nurturing Young Minds

15 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids

15 personal and creative expression essay topics for kids, 15 the world around us essay topics for kids, 15 factual and educational essay topics for kids.

In today’s world, where communication and expression are key, writing effectively is invaluable. This post aims to provide parents and educators with a list of essay topics for kids keen on nurturing this essential skill in their young ones.

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Writing essays is not just an academic exercise; it’s a fundamental tool that helps children develop their language skills, organize their thoughts, and articulate their ideas with clarity. Whether it’s a simple description of their favorite toy or a more complex discussion about their thoughts on environmental conservation, each essay topic offers a unique opportunity for growth and learning. Let’s dive in!

45 Easy Essay Topics for Kids

Let’s explore and discover fun differences and similarities! These compare-and-contrast topics are perfect for young minds to learn and think about the world around them in exciting ways.

For a more hands-on experience, check out these printable compare-and-contrast worksheets for kids that enhance writing and comprehension skills.

1. Cats vs. Dogs- Pets at Home: Discuss the differences and similarities between having a cat and a dog as a pet.

2. Summer Holidays vs. Winter Holidays: Compare and contrast how summer holidays differ from winter holidays, focusing on activities, weather, and family traditions.

3. Books vs. Movies: Explore the differences and similarities in storytelling between reading a book and watching a movie adaptation.

4. Rainy Days vs. Sunny Days: Compare what it’s like to experience rainy and sunny days. They can talk about the activities they do, the clothes they wear, and their feelings about each type of weather.

5. Traditional Games vs. Video Games: Compare playing traditional games like hide-and-seek or hopscotch with playing video games . Look at the social aspects, physical activity , and enjoyment.

6. Eating at Home vs. Eating at a Restaurant: Discuss the experience of eating a home-cooked meal versus dining out at a restaurant, including the atmosphere, food choices, and family interaction.

7. School Learning vs. Learning at Home: Contrast the experience of learning in a school environment with learning at home or homeschooling , focusing on interaction, discipline, and learning styles .

8. Trains vs. Airplanes: Contrast traveling by train with airplane travel. Kids can discuss speed, the scenery they see, the noise level, and what they find exciting about each mode of transportation.

9. Playing Inside vs. Playing Outside: Contrast the activities kids do when playing indoors (like board games or reading) with those they do when playing outdoors (like sports or exploring nature). Discuss the fun aspects and benefits of each.

10. Ice Cream vs. Cake: Kids can compare these two popular desserts, looking at flavors, occasions when they are eaten (like birthdays or hot summer days), and why they might prefer one.

11. Cars vs. Bicycles: Discuss the differences and similarities between these two modes of transportation. Kids can talk about the experience of riding a bike versus being in a car, the speed of travel, and when each mode is useful.

12. Story Books vs. Picture Books: Compare storybooks , which mainly focus on a narrative, with picture books, which use images to tell a story or convey concepts. Discuss the enjoyment of reading each type of book and how the pictures or stories help them understand and imagine.

13. Cartoons vs. Live-Action TV Shows: Discuss the differences and similarities between watching cartoons and live-action TV shows. Kids can talk about the characters, the stories , and what makes each type of show enjoyable.

14. Vegetables vs. Fruits: A great way to discuss healthy eating! Children can compare the taste, textures, and uses of fruits and vegetables and discuss their favorites and why they like them.

15. Storytelling vs. Reading a Book: Kids can contrast listening to a story being told (like a bedtime story ) with reading a book themselves. They might consider aspects like imagination to understand the story, which they find more enjoyable or easier.

Encourage kids to explore their inner world and creativity through these engaging essay topics. Perfect for enhancing imagination and personal storytelling, these prompts are ideal for essay writing for kids.

• My Favorite Day and Why: Describe your most cherished day and why it stands out, making it a memorable essay for kids.
• The Best Dream I Ever Had: Share the details of a wonderful dream and why it was so special to you.
• If I Were an Animal, I Would Be…: Imagine being an animal and describe a day in your life, using creativity and fun details.
• A Magical Adventure in My Backyard: Create a story about a magical adventure right in your backyard, perfect if you are looking for writing topics for elementary students.
• When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…: Talk about your dream job and what makes it exciting.
• My Superpower Wish: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Describe how you would use it.
• A Letter to My Future Self: Write a letter to your future self, sharing your hopes and dreams.
• The Day I Learned to Ride a Bike: Narrate your experience of learning to ride a bike and how you felt.
• My Favorite Holiday Memory: Recount a cherished holiday memory and why it’s important.
• Building My Dream House: Describe what your dream house would look like and what makes it special.
• A Trip to the Moon: Imagine a trip to the moon and describe what you see and do.
• My Best Friend and Why I Cherish Them: Write about your best friend and the qualities that make your friendship special.
• The Most Interesting Thing About My Family: Share something unique or interesting about your family.
• If I Were President for a Day: Describe what you would do if you were the president for a day.
• A World of Talking Animals: Create a story where animals can talk and share their adventures. This is a great choice for easy essay topics.

Discover and learn about our diverse world through these fun essay topics for kids. They are tailored to help kids observe, question, and understand the environment and cultures around them.

• A Trip to the Zoo: What I Saw and Learned: This is a perfect essay topic for 5th graders . Ask them to describe their visit to the zoo and the interesting animals they saw
• My Family’s Traditions and Celebrations: Share about your family’s unique traditions or celebrations and why they are important to you.
• The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Ask kids to explore and explain the transformation of a butterfly. It is a great prompt if you are looking for short essay topics.
• How to Take Care of Our Planet: Discuss ways we can help protect and preserve our planet Earth.
• A Day in the Life of a Firefighter: Imagine a day in the life of a firefighter and describe the challenges and rewards of their job.
• Visiting a Museum: Write about a museum experience and what you learned.
• The Importance of Recycling: Explain why recycling is important and how it helps our environment.
• Different Cultures Around the World: Choose a culture different from your own and describe its unique customs and traditions.
• Under the Sea: Exploring Marine Life: Dive into the ocean world and describe the fascinating marine life you find there.
• My Favorite Season and Why: Share your favorite season of the year and what makes it special to you.
• A Journey Through Space: Imagine traveling through space and describe what you might see and experience.
• The Process of Making Chocolate: Describe how chocolate is made, from cocoa beans to your favorite chocolate bar.
• Life on a Farm: Explore what life is like on a farm and the different tasks involved in farming.
• The Wonders of the Rainforest: Discover a rainforest’s unique and diverse life and its importance to our ecosystem.
• Celebrating a Festival in My Community: Write about a local festival, its significance, and how it is celebrated.

Explore and learn with these factual and educational essay topics. They are designed to encourage research, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of various subjects.

• The Moon and Its Phases: Learn about the moon and why it looks different during the month.
• Dinosaur Discoveries: Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and what they might have looked like.
• Rainbows and How They Appear: Find out what makes rainbows and why they are so colorful.
• Heroes in History: Write about a hero from history and what makes them special.
• From Seed to Plant: Discover how a seed grows into a plant and the role of sun and water.
• Planets in Our Solar System: Take a fun trip through space and learn about the planets.
• Healthy Eating: Talk about your favorite fruits and vegetables and why they are good for you.
• Simple Machines Around Us: Look at simple machines like the wheel and how they make life easier.
• The Four Seasons: Describe the four seasons and what you like about each one.
• The Fascinating World of Insects: Explore the diverse and interesting world of insects and learn about their lives.
• Volcanoes: Mountains That Blow Their Tops: Discover what volcanoes are and why they erupt.
• Our Bodies: Bones and Muscles: Learn about bones and muscles and how they help us move.
• Under the Sea: Exploring Ocean Life: Dive into the ocean and learn about the fish and animals.
• Why Do Stars Twinkle in the Night Sky? : Learn about the science behind the sparkling stars and what makes them look like twinkling from so far away.
• The Secret Life of Ants: Discover how ants live, work together, and build their homes. Learn about the different roles ants have in their colony.

4 Importance of Essay Writing for Kids

Essay writing is more than just a school assignment; it’s a crucial skill that plays a significant role in a child’s development. Here’s why it’s important:

• Improving Language Skills: Writing essays helps children enhance their vocabulary , grammar, and language proficiency. It’s a practical way for them to learn new words and how to use them effectively in sentences. 
• Organizing Thoughts: One of the key benefits of essay writing is that it teaches kids how to organize their thoughts. When they write an essay, they learn to structure their ideas logically, making it easier for others to understand their point of view. 
• Expressing Ideas Clearly: Essays allow children to express their ideas and opinions. This practice helps them articulate their thoughts in a coherent and concise manner. Expressing oneself is a valuable skill that will serve them well throughout their lives, both personally and professionally.
• Academic and Future Career Success: Good writing skills are essential for academic success . Essays are a common part of school assignments; excelling in them can improve grades. Furthermore, writing well is a sought-after skill in many careers. Effective writing is key, whether it’s drafting reports, creating presentations, or communicating with clients.

In conclusion, by embracing the practice of essay writing, we open doors for our children to not only excel academically but also to develop essential life skills . Let’s encourage and support them in this journey, fostering a generation of articulate, thoughtful, and confident communicators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what age should children start practicing essay writing.

Children can start practicing simple essay writing around 6 or 7. Starting with basic sentences and gradually moving to more structured essays helps build their writing skills early on.

How can I make essay writing interesting for my child?

To make essay writing interesting, choose topics that align with your child’s interests or current events in their life. Also, incorporating creative elements like storytelling or illustrations can make the process more engaging.

How long should essays for kids be?

The length of the essay should be appropriate for the child’s age and skill level. For younger children, a paragraph or two is sufficient, while older kids can aim for longer essays with more detailed content.

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Oct 15, 2022

What is Responsibility for Kids and Why is it Important?

As a parent, one of the essential skills we hope to teach our children is how to be responsible. Understanding the value of accountability and actively making responsible choices can help them reach their full potential when they’re older.

That sounds fantastic, but how do you help your children learn to be responsible?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to teaching responsibility, there are a few strategies you can use to help them learn as they grow and mature. Here, we provide a child-friendly definition of responsibility you can share with your kids and five ways to teach them to be responsible.

What is Responsibility?

The concept of responsibility can be challenging for kids to comprehend. To make it easier, we’ve narrowed it down and created a quick and easy checklist to help kids understand what it means to be responsible.

In its simplest form, a responsibility definition for gradeschool kids goes like this: 1

• Being trustworthy
• Making thoughtful decisions
• Taking ownership of your actions and promises 

If you teach the basics of responsibility to your children, hopefully, they’ll be able to check off all three boxes as they grow. Having all of those qualities can help set them up for personal, academic, and financial success in the future. 

When it comes to preschoolers, responsibility may take a different form. Since preschool children are still in the early stages of learning and adapting to their surroundings, responsibility can be as simple as teaching your child to clean up their toys after playtime.

Teaching Responsibility to Kids

When you’re teaching responsibility, think of you , and your child as a team of turtles rather than a couple of hares—slow and steady wins the race. It’s not done all at once but rather over a period of time.

Try to begin when your children are young, taking baby steps to teach them the importance of personal responsibility. You can do this in a few different ways, including:

Modeling responsible behavior

Remember the expression “monkey see, monkey do”? It applies perfectly here. In order to learn how to become a responsible child, it can help to act like a responsible adult around them.

Your children learn so many of their own behaviors based on how they see you interact with the world. Exude the responsible qualities you want them to learn by setting an example.

For instance, if you don’t want them to litter, always remember to throw your trash away and explain why it’s important to do so. Elaborate on the why behind the what. Explain why throwing your trash away is not only important for the environment but also a responsible choice for yourself and others.

Allowing them to demonstrate their understanding

Learning responsibility doesn't have to stop at acting as a good influence around them. While modeling responsible behaviors can set the groundwork for your little one, it’s essential to allow them to show you they can also be responsible. We know it’s scary giving them responsibility at a young age, but they can’t truly learn how to be accountable unless you let them get their feet wet.

Rather than throwing their trash away for them, let them throw it away on their own. Be sure they know why it’s the responsible choice. Before you know it, your child may clean up after themselves without you asking. 

5 Ways To Teach Kids Responsibility

If you feel like now’s the time, go ahead and rip off that bandaid. Let them dip their toes in the waters of responsibility. Show them the water’s warm and inviting.

Don’t just drop them into the deep end, though—they are kids, after all. You can help ease them into completing responsible tasks by choosing one of the activities below and following these guidelines:

• Give them simple instructions to set them up for success.
• Be available to help when they need it.
• Check in regularly to monitor their progress.

Here are five activities that’ll help teach your children the importance of personal responsibility (be sure to choose one that’s age appropriate for your little ones):

#1 Let Them Care for a Pet (If You Have One)

 If you’ve got a furry friend at home, this is the perfect opportunity to let your little one become their primary caretaker. Take them through the basics:

• Show your child how much and how often to feed them.
• Once they’ve mastered the feeding schedule, add on other pet-related responsibilities like walking or cleaning a fish bowl.
• If your child shows a real aptitude for pet care, introduce them to the fine art of training.  

If you live in a pet-free home, you can always opt to buy them a pet fish. They can feed them and make sure the water stays clean. 1

#2 Teach Them The Value of a Dollar

Money can seem like a mystery to kids who haven’t yet had to buy and pay for things themselves. You can help them to learn the value of money by including them in a few small errands or tasks each week where money is involved. For example, when you’re at the grocery store, tell your kids you want to spend a certain amount of money on an item—such as veggies or cereal—and ask them to help you find the one you’ll buy. Doing so can help them to grasp the idea of a budget, even if they’re not ready to build their own just yet.

#3 Plan and Follow a Schedule

These days, children have jam-packed schedules. From soccer practice three times a week to tests in multiple subjects in one day, it’s a lot to remember. You can teach them organizational and time management skills by writing and following their weekly schedule. Consider making a visual schedule for your child and help them fill out their to-do list each week, having them check off activities each day as they’re completed. 2 Following a schedule is also a great way to help establish a morning routine for kids ––but it’s also easier said than done. Keep in mind that it’s okay to take small steps in creating a routine. Don’t forget to take a deep breath to help clear your mind and focus on you and your family’s top priorities for the day ahead.

#4 Instill a No-Blame Policy at Home

Part of being responsible means being accountable for your actions and accepting the consequences. What better way to teach this than to lead by example? Next time something doesn’t go your way, try these steps:

• Take a breath.
• Decide how much of the situation you’re at fault for. 
• Verbally own your part in it.
• Articulate the actionable steps you’ll take to resolve it. 

This will let your kids know you can come up with more responsible solutions if you’re not blaming others.

#5 Give Them Age-Appropriate Chores

Household chores for kids are an excellent way to teach the value of responsibility. From toddlers to high schoolers, there’s an age-appropriate chore for everyone, like putting away toys or setting the table. Giving your kids chores shows them you’re entrusting them with something important, which can make them feel valued and boost their self-esteem.

Make the Responsible Choice—Teach Your Children Responsibility With Slumberkins

Learning how to be responsible takes time and practice. That’s why it’s essential to model the fundamentals of responsibility when they’re little. This way, when you’re ready to give them their own responsibilities, they’ve got a solid foundation to set them up for success.

There’s always an opportunity to teach kids responsibility. Whether you’re discussing responsible behavior or engaging in other important conversations with your younger kid or older child, Slumberkins is here to support you. With fuzzy friends (like our unicorn plush and bigfoot plush ) and helpful books for every occasion, we’ve got the tools to help your children understand important topics—from self-esteem and conflict resolution for kids to self-expression and building connections.

Check out our collections and and watch our Slumberkins show on Apple TV+ to open up a whole new magical world of communication for you and your little one.

• Farnsworth Finn, Jamie. "Developing responsibility in kids: Here's what to know." Today. 1 February, 2020.   https://www.today.com/parenting-guides/developing-responsibility-kids-ages-8-11-t179128
• "15 Tips to Raise a Responsible Child." Aha! Parenting.   https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/responsibility

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What is Empathy?

A definition of empathy in simple words for children

Empathy is being able to understand how someone else is feeling.

What is empathy? Empathy is being able to know how someone else is feeling, even when you aren't in the same situation. Sometimes, in more simple words, we call empathy being able to "put yourself in someone's shoes" and see things from their view. Why is empathy important? Empathy is the first step in having positive relationships because it helps us understand and relate to others. Empathy has two parts, shared emotion and seeing other perspectives. Both parts of empathy are ways in which we make the effort to understand other people and share an emotion with them.

Empathy is being able to understand how someone else feels.

• when you feel an emotion with someone, even if you're not in the same situation
• when you see things from someone else's perspective

For more about empathy, scroll down:

• Empathy- Shared Emotion and Seeing other people's views
• Why empathy is important
• How do you build your ability to feel empathy
• What's the difference between empathy and sympathy

Empathy Definition Part 1: Shared Emotion

First, empathy is about sharing an emotion with someone, or feeling the way they feel, even if you aren’t in the same situation. When you feel an emotion along with someone, even if you aren’t directly affected by whatever is causing their situation, that’s empathy. Empathy Example 1: Have you ever felt sad with a friend just because he was sad? That’s empathy! So for example, if you feel sad with your friend because he didn’t make the soccer team (even though you aren’t affected by him not making the team)… that’s empathy. Sharing his sadness is a kind of empathy. Empathy Example 2: Have you ever been with a friend who just got a new toy and she’s so excited about it and you get super excited too? If you are feeling excited because you know how great it can feel to get a new toy (even though you didn’t get a toy and you aren’t playing with the toy)… that’s empathy. Being excited with your friend is a kind of empathy.

Empathy Definition Part Two: Understanding someone else’s way of seeing something

The second part of a definition of empathy is about being able to understand someone else’s way of looking at a situation, even if you see it differently. We often call this “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes” and it means you see things from their point of view, or from their perspective. Having empathy means you can step back from the way you see a situation and think about how someone else might feel from their side of the story. Empathy Example 1: Have you ever thought a game was really fun but your friend felt it wasn’t fair? If you saw your friend was bothered by the game and understood she wasn’t having a good time even though you were… that’s empathy. You showed empathy by understanding how things felt from her side of the situation. Empathy Example 2: Have you ever noticed that your dad is frustrated while he’s tidying up some of your toys? You had fun playing with the toys and don’t mind them laying on the floor. But you think about it from your dad’s perspective and realize that he doesn’t like how it feels to have a messy space and he feels frustrated at having the extra work of tidying it up. When you look at the situation from your dad’s side of the story (from his perspective) and understand how he might be feeling… that’s empathy.

Why is empathy important

Empathy is really important for how we get along with people. Whether you can be a good friend, get hired for a job, be successful with a team of others… all of those things depend on being able to understand how other people might see a situation and how they are feeling. Empathy is at the root of all healthy relationships. It helps you know how your actions affect others, what actions you need to take to be a good friend or teammate, and it helps you understand more about the people and the world around you.

How do you build your ability to feel empathy?

If you want to understand empathy and build your ability to understand others, here are some great tools to start. (Try this free printable Empathy Lesson Plan .)

1. Understand the concept of empathy.

These videos about empathy show people expressing empathy in real life situations.

2. Develop the ability to read facial expressions and body language.

To understand how someone else is feeling, we need to read the cues that they give us. What does it mean if someone is frowning? What if his arms are crossed? What if someone’s eyebrows are high on her forehead? A great way to build empathy is to read picture books and look at the illustrations. What cues do the characters give that reveal how they are feeling?

3. Practice putting yourself in someone else’s shoes

Find something you and a friend don’t agree on. Try having a discussion about it as if you are the other person. What might that friend say to convince you of his point of view?

What's the difference between empathy and sympathy?

You may be wondering, “What’s the difference between empathy and sympathy?” Empathy is when you feel someone’s emotions along with them. Sympathy is when you care that someone is in a difficult situation and offer them comfort, but you don’t necessarily feel anything about it yourself. For example, if your friend loses her iPad and you feel really sad along with her… that’s empathy. If your friend loses her iPad and you tell her “Wow, that's a bummer,” but you don’t feel bad yourself, that’s showing sympathy. With empathy, you have a more personal understanding or share someone else's emotions. With sympathy you are offering comfort even though you aren’t personally feeling emotion along with them.

More Definitions

•   What is Conscience?
•   What is Empathy?
•   What is Honesty?
•   What is Grit?
•   What is Perseverance?
•   What is Respect?
•   What is Responsibility?
•   What is Self-esteem?
•   What is Character?
•   What are Social Skills?

Colleen Doyle Bryant

Colleen Doyle Bryant is the author of five books and more than 50 learning resources about making good choices for the right reasons. Her Talking with Trees series for elementary students and Truth Be Told Quotes series for teens are used in curricula around the world. Rooted in Decency , Colleen’s most recent release, written for an adult audience, explores how the decline in common decency is affecting wellbeing, and how we can build more trust and cooperation. Learn more at ColleenDoyleBryant.com

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