Each semester in CFS 140, we read a "popular media" book that incorporates important theoretical information from the field of child development. Though they read the entire book (and I'm QUITE SURE they do read EVERY word....!), each student is required to write a reflection on one to two specific chapters, and these reflective essays become entries on this blog. How cool is that?!
This semester, we'll be reading "Roots of Empathy," a book by Mary Gordon, the founder of the Roots of Empathy program. This is a photo of her from the Roots of Empathy website (there's a very convenient link to the site in the right margin here).
Founded by Gordon in Canada in 1996, the program aims to help school-aged children develop crucial aspects of empathy through an ongoing relationship with...a baby. A baby visits the classroom over the course of the school year, and a trained facilitator engages the children in observations and discussion that enable them to learn empathy. Fascinating. And, research has shown, effective. Thus far, the program has been initiated in a growing number of countries, and has even been expanded into "Seeds of Empathy," a program for preschool-aged children.
So, in addition to looking forward to meeting my new CFS 140 students, I'm also looking forward to reading this book, learning about the program, and seeing how my students react to both.
I hope you join us on our journey!
Very cool idea. I had students read a public press book in my Infant Development class and do 'live' in class discussions but this takes it to whole new level. Can't wait to see how it goes.
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