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The videos below are part of Roots of Empathy Instructor Training, and we have had many requests from Instructors to be able to view these videos again after the training. We are happy to share them here as a resource for both new and certified Instructors.
Roots of Empathy’s mission is to build caring, peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults.
The Roots of Empathy baby is the ‘teacher’ and the lever 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 more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the ‘Changers’.
Roots of Empathy is an evidenced-based classroom program that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.
Emotional Literacy and Authentic Dialogue • Educating the Heart as well as the Mind • Connecting Through the Sharing of Emotions • Literacy Builds Emotional Understanding • Art Expresses Authentic Feelings • Discussion Validates Emotions
“Roots of Empathy students learn about neuroscience to help them gain an appreciation of the wonder of human development. Every child is entitled to a fair chance in life. By understanding how quickly a baby’s brain grows and the impact of the baby’s early experiences on the architecture of the brain, students will want to protect future generations from damage.”
The Roots of Empathy family is a key partner in the program, and establishing a relationship with the parent and baby begins with the Meeting the Family visit. In the Getting Ready section of the curriculum binder, the Meet the Family Checklist is a helpful tool in meeting the aims of this visit.
In these ‘Meeting the Baby’ Theme One videos, you will see Pre-Visits and Family-Visits in both the Primary and Junior level curriculums.
Mary Gordon, Founder/President of Roots of Empathy, introduces each clip highlighting key elements of the Roots of Empathy philosophy, program pillars, and the development of emotional literacy in children around the green blanket.
Reflections follow each clip to expand knowledge base, deepen learning, and support the professional development of Instructors delivering the Roots of Empathy program in classrooms around the world.
We hope you find the following videos helpful in your role as Roots of Empathy Instructor - thank you for your commitment to children.
Reflection #1
Why is it important and for the Instructor to follow the aims and activities exactly as outlined in the curriculum?
Reflection #2
The Roots of Empathy Instructor uses experiential questioning to create a risk free learning environment in the classroom. Why is this an important part of the Roots of Empathy program?
Reflection #1
Emotional Literacy is the ability to identify and name one’s own emotions and be able to express them. How does the Roots of Empathy Instructor help the children develop emotional literacy in the Family Visit?
Reflection #2
How does the Instructor highlight the importance of the attachment relationship between the Roots of Empathy baby and parent during the Family Visit?
Reflection #1
What is the importance of establishing expectations and a culture of respect for all participants in the Roots of Empathy program?
Reflection #2
What is the importance of encouraging participatory democracy and consensus building with older students participating in the Roots of Empathy program?
Reflection #1
Why is a risk free learning environment an important part of the Roots of Empathy program?
Reflection #2
In observing the baby’s behavior and reactions during the Family Visit, children have the opportunity to better understand the concept of temperament. How does the Instructor highlight temperament traits and bridge this learning to the children?