ROOTS OF EMPATHY

BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM

Roots of Empathy is an international, evidence-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. The program is designed for children ages 5 to 13. At the heart of the program are a neighborhood infant and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy Instructor coaches students to observe the baby’s development and to label the baby’s feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the “Teacher” and a lever, which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This “emotional literacy” taught in the program lays the foundation for safer and more caring classrooms, where children are the “Changers”. They are more competent in understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others (empathy) and are therefore less likely to physically, psychologically and emotionally hurt each other through bullying and other cruelties. The Roots of Empathy curriculum addresses the affective side of education, but the activities have many links to the classroom curriculum. For example, students use math skills when they calculate and chart the baby’s weight and measurements. Literature is used as a way to open the door to feelings and perspective taking. The discussion and reflection that follows builds solidarity and empathy. Art plays a large role as children paint their inner feelings which they cannot say with words. Music stirs powerful feelings. It speaks to everyone regardless of language or culture and builds solidarity.
The school based Child & Youth Worker will be facilitating this program along with the classroom teacher over the course of the school year for a total of 27 visits.
At Our Lady of Lourdes, Roots of Empathy will target students in Grades 3 to 6 this year.

At Our Lady of Lourdes school, as part of our Bullying Prevention Program and school Spirit development, we have also implemented, on an annual basis, our School Monthly Virtue Program. This involves practicing a different monthly virtue by all students, and striving to demonstrate the criteria taught by teachers. For example, some ways we can practice a virtue always includes treating others as you would like to be treated, forgiving easily, and just simply being nicer and more generous and considerate to others.

Sincerely,


Ms. L. Konyt