Roots of Empathy at Jarvis Public School

Caption: Mom and baby Jordyn visit with Jarvis students and measure her size with blocks.

Roots of Empathy is a classroom program aimed at reducing levels of aggression among schoolchildren by raising social and emotional competence and increasing empathy.

In the program a neighbourhood infant and a parent will visit the classroom every three weeks throughout the school year.

Students will observe the baby’s development and begin to better label the baby’s feelings. The lessons taught in the program greatly increase a child’s understanding of others and lays a foundation for a more safe and caring classroom environment.

Jarvis Public School’s Kindergarten students participated in the program this school year.

Mrs. Lawrence, an ECE in the classroom states, “The program provides opportunities for the students to make connections to themselves from understanding the feeling of baby Jordyn.”

Ms. Liao, the classroom teacher echoed, “Students look forward to seeing the changes and growth in baby Jordyn. Through this experience they see themselves as the ‘big kids’ who are also learning about their feelings and the feelings of others.”

Some students in the class shared their thoughts about baby Jordyn and what they’ve learned throughout this experience.

“I learned how small babies are, they sometimes chew on toys. I don’t chew on toys because I am a big girl,” said Morgan.