Roots of
Roots of Empathy is an international, evidence and empathy-based classroom programme designed for children ages 5 to 13. The programme is in New Zealand, the United States, the Republic of Ireland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Switzerland, and Netherlands. In Canada, the programme is delivered in English and French and reaches rural, urban, and remote communities including Indigenous communities.
The Programme
At the heart of the programme are a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom throughout the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy Instructor coaches pupils 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 lays the foundation for safer and more caring classrooms, where children are the “Changers.”
Children in Roots of Empathy classrooms
- develop executive functioning skills
- develop emotional literacy
- develop emotional regulation
- develop resilience
- learn to challenge cruelty and injustice
- learn to form consensus, contributing to a culture of caring in the classroom
The Instructor visits before and after each family visit to prepare and reinforce teachings using a specialized lesson plan for each visit.
Research results from national and international evaluations of Roots of Empathy indicate significant reductions in aggression and increases in pro-social behaviour.
Empathy
The cognitive aspect of empathy is perspective taking and the affective aspect is emotion. Roots of Empathy educates both the mind and the heart.
Empathy is a key ingredient of responsible citizenship and responsive parenting. Information on infant safety and development helps children to be more aware of issues of infant vulnerability such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and second-hand smoke. Observations of a loving parent-child relationship give children a model of responsible parenting.
The Curriculum
The curriculum is comprehensive and attuned to the development and interests of the children. The curriculum is divided into nine themes, with three classroom visits supporting each theme (a pre-family visit, family visit and post-family visit) for a total of 27 classes. Each of the nine themes is further broken down into four age ranges in elementary/primary schools.
The Roots of Empathy curriculum addresses the affective side of education, but the activities have many links to the classroom curriculum. For example, pupils 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.
Professional Development
We invest in our volunteer Instructors by providing a comprehensive, four day training with a certified Roots of Empathy trainer. You receive a curriculum, classroom kit, story books, and all other materials you will need to deliver the program.
You also receive on-going guidance on best practices by Roots of Empathy Mentors, as well as professional development opportunities, ensuring you are qualified, confident and supported.
Learn more – Roots of Empathy Instructor Role, Responsibilities and Commitment
Our Programme Partners
The Volunteer Instructor
A Roots of Empathy Instructor delivers all aspects of the Roots of Empathy curriculum in the classroom and builds respectful relationships with the participating family, classroom teacher and pupils. Often, Instructors come from teaching, early childhood education, social work, guidance counselling, health or recreation backgrounds.
If you’re interested in becoming an Instructor, you can learn more here.
The Volunteer Family
A Roots of Empathy Family volunteers in the classroom with their baby who is two to four months old at the beginning of the programme. Families commit to visiting the classroom once every three weeks during the programme year.
We seek families who live in the community, so that they reflect the cultural, racial and linguistic tone of the neighbourhood. This helps create a bond between the children in the classroom and the Roots of Empathy Family, which is reinforced when the children see the parent(s) and baby in the street and rush over to ask how ‘their baby’ is doing.
If you’re interested in volunteering with your baby, you can learn more here.
The Host Schools
“Education is the most effective peace-building institution in the land. Our schools serve as our Ministry of Peace.” – Mary Gordon, Founder/President, Roots of Empathy
We can’t deliver our programmes without the support of schools. Roots of Empathy is delivered in school classrooms during regular school hours. The programme is offered to elementary school children from Kindergarten to Grade 8, using a specialized curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, and Grades 7-8.
If you’re interested in bringing Roots of Empathy to your school, you can learn more here.
As Seen On
