Children come to school from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have younger siblings, some are from large families, some are only children. Witnessing the caring relationship between a loving caregiver and an infant can help children develop an understanding of empathy and compassion, and that is what the Roots of Empathy program aims to do.
What is Roots of Empathy?
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom curriculum developed by educator, author, child advocate and parenting expert Mary Gordon. It teaches children the basics of empathy by observing an infant and his or her caregiver every three weeks throughout the school year. During each visit, the Roots of Empathy instructor coaches students to observe the baby’s development and feelings, using the opportunity to help students then reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others.
How Children Learn Empathy
Empathy is a crucial emotional skill. Empathy allows children to engage in more prosocial behaviour, such as helping, sharing and including. Empathy is also necessary for being a good citizen in adulthood and taking part in behaviours such as voting in elections, volunteering or giving to charity. Children can learn about empathy by being treated in an empathetic, caring way by their parents at home, and additional learning can happen at school through programs such as Roots of Empathy.
Empathy in the Classroom
The Roots of Empathy program can empower children to be more caring, involved students by helping them learn skills in emotional intelligence. This can reduce incidents of aggression, bullying and social exclusion in the school setting. Children also practice other skills during a Roots of Empathy program. By using math when charting a baby’s growth or expressing emotion when painting a picture, the Roots of Empathy curriculum takes a multidisciplinary approach.
How to Get Involved in the Roots of Empathy Program
Roots of Empathy is found in schools across Canada, and a great way to get involved is by volunteering to come into a classroom with your baby. Babies who participate in the program are usually two to four months old in September, to allow students to watch most of the first year’s development. For more information on how to get involved, contact Roots of Empathy's volunteer program.
Roots of Empathy is a groundbreaking approach to teaching school children emotional intelligence skills. Children need more than just academics to excel in life, and empathy is the key to all kinds of compassionate, caring behavior.
Michelle Carchrae - Michelle Carchrae has worked as a Volunteer Phone Counselor at Childline and as a Training Developer and Call Centre Trainer, but the job ...
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