Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

We began Empathy Week 2026 with a thoughtful assembly centred on the theme “Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes.” Our aim was to encourage children to reflect on why it is important to understand the feelings, perspectives and experiences of others.

To introduce the idea, I shared a simple but powerful visual: a collection of different shoes. From sturdy walking boots to flip flops, football boots, ballet shoes and wellington boots, each pair sparked discussion about where we might wear them and why they are designed the way they are. Walking boots, for example, are built for long journeys over rough ground, offering strength, grip and support. Flip flops, by contrast, are light and perfect for warm summer days by the beach or pool.

The children quickly realised that every shoe has a different purpose. This led us to a wider reflection: just as shoes must fit the person wearing them and the journey they are taking, people also have different experiences and challenges in life. Understanding this helps us to show patience, kindness and empathy.

We also explored some well-known sayings about shoes. Phrases such as “the shoe is on the other foot,” “too big for your boots,” and “I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes” encouraged the children to think about what these expressions really mean. They helped us introduce the well-known proverb: “Don’t judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.”

Of course, this does not mean literally wearing someone else’s shoes. Instead, it reminds us that we cannot truly understand someone until we try to see the world from their perspective.

During the assembly we talked about how people’s behaviour is often shaped by experiences we cannot see. A child who does not join in a game might simply feel shy. Someone who stays quiet may be worried about being laughed at. A friend who becomes upset when plans change might be feeling left out. Sometimes there are reasons behind people’s actions that we do not immediately understand.

This led us to reflect on the Golden Rule from the Bible: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)

Empathy means recognising how someone else might be feeling and responding with kindness. As psychologist Professor, Robin Banerjee, describes empathy as “the ability to feel and understand other people’s emotions and perspectives.” It involves three key elements: feeling someone else’s emotions, thinking about their perspective, and being inspired to act in a supportive way.

Empathy is one of the most important skills children can develop. It strengthens friendships, helps us build supportive communities and encourages us to look out for one another. It also reminds us to show kindness to ourselves as well as others.

Throughout the week, students will continue to explore empathy in their classrooms. We discussed simple ways we can all practise empathy every day: by listening carefully to others, reading stories that help us understand different experiences, and being curious rather than judgemental about how others might be feeling.

To bring the message of Empathy Week to life, our Prep pupils will also be taking part in Slipper Day this Friday in support of EveryYouth. Students will arrive in their school shoes and then change into their comfiest, funniest or silliest slippers once inside school.

Slippers symbolise warmth, comfort and the safety of home-things that many young people sadly do not have. Last year, over 118,000 young people in the UK experienced homelessness, which is roughly one every four minutes. Through Slipper Day and a small donation, we hope to raise awareness and support the work of EveryYouth in helping vulnerable young people access the support and opportunities they need.

Empathy begins with understanding, and understanding begins with taking a moment to consider someone else’s journey. If our children leave this week with a deeper awareness of how their actions can make others feel, then we will have taken an important step towards building a kinder and more compassionate community.

Mrs C Hornby

Head of prep, Westholme School

March 2026