Just heard a radio interview with Jeremy Rifkin, the author of The Empathic Civilization. In his book he states that we are hardwired for empathy and compassion. The topic of empathy is a good choice for E. Empathy is awareness of others and sensitivity to their feelings. Although young children do not have the same understanding as older ones, research shows that the first 3 years are critical for the development of empathy (Dr. Bruce Perry) and these skills need to be promoted at home and school. Children who are empathic even do better in school.
Here’s a quick little activity to tuck into your day and help your kidlet develop empathy skills. Since we’re also hardwired for story start with “Once upon a time…” and add something such as “…there was a mommy whose special friend moved away. How do you think she felt?” Or, “Once upon a time there was a daddy who tripped on the stair and twisted his foot. How do you think he felt?” Continue on with a few more, now or later. Some other possible stories could be a little boy or girl couldn’t get a puzzle together, or couldn’t play in the park because it was raining, or lost a special toy. Include some positive stories, too–a surprise letter came in the mail, a new family moved next door, etc. There will no doubt be a time during the day that will be a ‘teachable moment’ for helping kids learn about their own feelings and those of others. At the end of the day, you may be able to work in a couple more comments or questions about feelings that fit with the bedtime story, too. Can you suggest a story or song or game to help promote empathy?
E is also for 1 2 3 Kindergarten, Everything Your Child Needs to Learn Before Kindergarten. That’s the title of my new book which is soon off to Early Years Publishing. My goal is to to have my part all done before I go back to school. Summer is going by too quickly! (I’ve added a short report on summer survival ideas, just click download tab.)