Would you like to become a ‘Roots of Empathy’ Instructor?
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in training to become a ‘Roots of Empathy’ Instructor.
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program (Kindergarten to Grade 8) that has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among schoolchildren by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.
At the heart of the program are a parent and baby (who is two to four months old at the start of the program) from the community, who visit a classroom nine times over the course of a school year. A trained Roots of Empathy instructor visits with the family to guide children as they observe the relationship between the baby and its parent. The instructor also visits before and after each family visit to reinforce teachings. There are 27 classroom visits in total in a Roots of Empathy program.
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 more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the “Changers”.
Roots of Empathy’s mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults.
Please call or email the Golden Family Center for more information!
