Sudbury Catholic District School Board
 Early Learning Programs

Roots of Empathy

Purpose and Goals of Roots of Empathy (ROE)

  • To foster the development of empathy
  • To help children learn to identify and label feelings and recognize the emotions of others
  • To reduce levels of bullying, aggression and violence in children’s lives and build peaceful societies
  • To prepare students for responsible and responsive parenting
  • To increase knowledge of human development, learning and infant safety.

Working in partnership with a range of stakeholders in the community, ROE builds caring and peaceful societies by reaching children in their classrooms with a fun and engaging program. Through ROE you and your community can help equip children with skills, information and life lessons they can apply to parenting, to the classroom, and to relationships throughout their lives.

Program Description

Roots of Empathy is an innovative classroom parenting program which fosters the development of empathy in elementary school children. This program is offered in all schools thanks to the efforts of many community groups/agencies and individuals. Schools simply need to have a mom and baby available to come to the classrooms.

Why do we need Roots of Empathy?

Today’s children receive a daily exposure to violence and aggression in the news, on TV, and in video games. Society’s harsh tone needs to be actively countered in the classroom. There is an inverse relationship between empathy and aggression. As levels of empathy rise, violence and aggression decrease. When children are able to understand another’s point of view and respect their feelings, aggressive behaviour is less likely to occur. This has a direct impact on bullying and future levels of family and societal violence.

Knowledge of infant development and safety issues (Shaken Baby Syndrome, SIDS) prevents future child abuse and builds parenting capacity for the next generation. Messages of inclusion, respect and good citizenship are core values in Roots of Empathy instruction and should be core values in a civic society.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the Roots of Empathy program, please contact one of our elementary schools.

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