Perspective Taking

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This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to develop increasing care for self, others, and the environment.

Materials Needed:

Participants: This activity is intended for independent play and adult/child interaction.

Directions:

  1. Read the story, “A Tale of Two Beasts” to your child or watch actress Sarah Silverman read it at Storyline Online.
  2. Talk with your child about the story. The two characters had very different ideas about what was happening. The girl thought she was being helpful, but she was actually scaring the animal. Ask your child if a similar situation has ever happened to them. Perhaps they had one idea and a friend had another.
  3. Discuss ways to more effectively understand another’s perspective, e.g., body language, eye contact, facial expressions, and verbal communication. Think about a way to help someone else. Maybe you’ll set up a bird feeder in your backyard or drop a note to a neighbor.
Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
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