Empathy Day 12 June 2018
#ReadforEmpathy
www.empathylab.uk
Helps schools harness the power of
stories to build empathy, literacy and
social action
“Empathy should be a key priority in schools. Research shows its relevance to behaviour, mental health, achievement and resilience.
We need to stop ‘bolting on’ work on children’s socio-emotional skills. So integrating work on empathy with literacy and reading for pleasure is efficient, and hugely potent”.
Professor Robin Banerjee, University of Sussex
Centre for Children’s Relationships, Emotional and Social Skills
What is empathy?
The ability to feel and understand other people’s emotions and perspectives
A core life skill; vital for successful relationships, collaboration and learning
A force for social change as empathy is put into action
3 main elements: affective; cognitive; empathic concern
2018 Read for Empathy Collection
order from www.peters.co.uk/empathy
for 20% discount
Classroom ideas
Join in national #ReadForEmpathy Twitter campaign
Class reads 3 books; rank in order of best empathy content
Parents’ shout-out – tweet us family photos reading empathy books
Groups argue case for different characters. Class vote - which one most people empathise with
Make footprints then read a story; children take on roles, stand in shoes, say how their character feels
Children pick a great empathy read and take it home to share
Whole school ideas
Use Read For Empathy books in story-sharing assembly
Family empathy book-sharing evening – hot chocolate and pyjamas
Giant paper Empathy Wall – all share #ReadFor Empathy picks
Teachers swap classes – 30 minutes sharing empathy favourites
…
… more whole school ideas
Empathy Exchange bookshelf/cards
Y6 children visit younger classes/share/read their empathy picks
All make Empathy Promises – pledging to put empathy into action
Swap your reading life: unusual pairs swap books, read and share; understand each other better
Resources for you
Book collection from www.peters.co.uk/empathy with 20% off + free bookmarks/poster. Queries to 0121 666 6646 or [email protected]
Downloadable Read For Empathy Guide leaflet supporting the collection from www.empathylab.uk
Sign up for Empathy Day ideas pack, available March 2018. [email protected]