Maria Dismondy, the author of Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun and Pink Tiara Cookies, has started a linky party titled
"Make a Difference Monday"
on her blog. On the first Monday of every month, Maria will focus on a different character trait. This month's trait is
empathy. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another's
place and recognize that they have feelings just like you.
I have always tried to have my class participate in service projects where the children will be able to feel empathy for those that they are helping. In December, we did daily Random Acts of Kindness. When I introduced the day we were going to bring in a toy or book from home to give away to a school in the low income district where I volunteer, we talked about how lucky we are. I explained that last year I worked in a school where the children did not have as much money as we do. I also told them that many of my kindergartners shared a bed with their brothers and sisters. I explained that I sent home a book each night for their mom or dad to read to them because many of the children didn't have books at home. But more importantly, I told my class that the kids in last year's class were just like them in other ways. I told them how much they loved when I played freeze tag with them and how much they loved doing OREO words. I think that it is much easier to be empathetic when we recognize the common experiences that we share with others.
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| The kids in Chester love to play Freeze Tag |
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| The kids in Swarthmore love to play freeze tag |
