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Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom parenting program that has a dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression and violence among schoolchildren. It teaches infant development, emotional literacy, inclusion and the development of empathy.

Promoting students’ social and emotional skills, as Roots of Empathy is proven to do, play a critical role in improving their academic performance.  Like all abilities, empathy is strengthened through practice. When children are able to understand another’s point of view and respect their feelings, aggressive behavior is less likely to occur; there is a positive effect on the tone of the classroom, creating a climate of social inclusion and contributing to safe and caring schools. Roots of Empathy provides a vital foundation in emotional literacy that students will use now and in the future, to build relationships with their peers and their own children. This can have a direct impact on bullying and future levels of family and societal violence.

The principle of Roots of Empathy is that to build a civil society, we need to be able to understand and respond to the needs of others, as well as articulate our own. At the heart of the Roots of Empathy curriculum is an infant whose success is entirely dependent on his or her ability to express his or her needs to the parent. Elementary classrooms, Kindergarten to Grade 8, adopt a neighbourhood parent and infant for the school year. 

A certified Instructor visits the classroom once a week working with a specialized curriculum to coach students in observing baby's development, celebrating milestones, interacting with baby and learning about infant needs and temperament. Every three weeks, the Instructor is joined by the parent and infant. Through watching, listening, and asking questions, students witness the growing of a bond between parent and infant, and the evolution of the child’s ability to communicate.  With age-appropriate instruction in neuroscience and by learning to compare their own feelings and temperament with those of a baby, children learn lessons that they can apply to relationships in the classroom and throughout their lives.

Roots of Empathy is involved in ongoing university level research in both Canada and Australia.  A longitudinal study is currently being conducted along with research that is supported by the government of Ontario, Manitoba and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation.