Roots of Empathy!

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among schoolchildren while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. At the heart of the program are a neighbourhood infant and parent who engage students in their classroom. Over the school year, a trained Roots of Empathy Instructor guides the children as they observe the relationship between baby and parent, understanding the baby’s intentions and emotions. Through this model of experiential learning, the baby is the “Teacher” and a catalyst, helping children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others.

Our classroom is blessed to have baby "Ayla" as our classroom baby! She has been in once for her fist visit this week. The students were fully engaged and can not wait for her return. She will be with us for the entire school year. Our visits will take place every Thursday morning.

This page on our blog will be devoted fully to the Roots of Empathy program!