Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based programme delivered in primary school classrooms which has shown significant effect in reducing levels of aggression among school children by raising social-emotional competence and increasing empathy. At the heart of the programme is a baby and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks during the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy instructor coaches the children to observe the baby's development and to label the baby's feelings. The baby is the ‘teacher’ in this experiential learning, while the instructor helps the children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. Mrs Slattery is our trained instructor and her daughter Alice and grandchild Jamie were the mother and baby who participated in the programme. Due to Covid, most of the lessons in 3rd Class took place via zoom but Alice and Jamie arrived today for the final visit of the programme. The boys were delighted to see Jamie. A sincere thanks to all involved in helping to make the programme such a success.
