Most of us are familiar with a version of a common saying encouraging us to remember that we don’t necessarily know all the challenges that each person we come in contact might be dealing with at the time.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” by Wendy Mass might be the most well-known iteration.

The New York Times recently had a good article with a similar perspective that I think would be very accessible to students and could be used with a simple writing prompt.

It’s headlined Ask Yourself This: What Burdens Is That Other Person Carrying?

Here’s how it ends:

 

I’m adding it to The Best Resources On Helping To Build Empathy In The Classroom – Help Me Find More.