Roots of Empathy

06/17/2026

🎥 Something exciting is happening at Roots of Empathy!

Recently, cameras rolled inside a Grade 2/3 split class at Market Lane Public School as filming began for an upcoming TVO documentary exploring how schools are helping children navigate today's digital world.

When searching for solutions that help children develop the human skills screens can't teach, Roots of Empathy was a natural fit.

A huge thank you to the students, host teacher Victoria, Instructor Jemma, and our incredible volunteer family—Katherine and baby Josephine—for opening their classroom to help share how the Roots of Empathy program fosters empathy in children - the foundation of being able to relate to one another and make the friendships necessary for wellbeing and mental health.

The students were thrilled to be part of the filming, and we can't wait to see empathy take centre stage when the documentary airs this fall.

06/10/2026

Attention families! Will you have a baby aged 2-4 months in October?

Your family could make a lasting difference in the lives of children in your community!

Roots of Empathy is centred around your baby becoming the ‘Tiny Teacher’ in a classroom. Volunteer Parents bring their babies into a classroom, and guided by a Roots of Empathy Instructor, the children are encouraged to read your baby’s emotional cues and take your baby’s perspective, which can lead to the development of prosocial skills such as empathy and inclusion.

To sign up, visit: https://rootsofempathy.org/family/

06/09/2026

Celebrating with solidarity for all in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community!

06/03/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada—a time to recognize the rich history, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

It's an opportunity to listen, learn, and honour Indigenous voices, past and present, while nurturing the voices of the future.

06/02/2026

The most important learning happens before a child starts school 💜

Seeds of Empathy is a program that nurtures social and emotional competencies and provides children with rich early literacy experiences.

Created by Mary Gordon in 2005 for Early Learning and Childcare Centres, Seeds of Empathy is one of two programs endorsed by the Assembly of First Nations Resolution 38, along with Roots of Empathy. Both programs support the worldview and values of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children in urban, rural, and on-reserve communities.

To learn more about the program, visit;
https://rootsofempathy.org/seeds-of-empathy/

06/01/2026

Want to help nurture empathy in children in one of your local schools? 💚

We're on the lookout for passionate Volunteer Instructors for the upcoming school year.

Roots of Empathy is an international children’s charity that helps nurture empathy in children. We’ve reached 1.2 million children so far. We do this through our unique programs that are offered in schools internationally.

To learn more and sign up: https://rootsofempathy.org/instructors/

05/29/2026

What makes Roots of Empathy so unique?

It’s all about the secure attachment relationship between a baby and parent(s) - the first and most powerful model of empathy. Throughout the school year, a local parent and baby visit a 9 times while the other 18 classes are about prediction and reflection on various themes. With the help of a certified Roots of Empathy Instructor and a proven curriculum, studentsare guided to recognize the baby’s feelings and intentions.

They start learning:
❤️ The affective aspect of empathy – understanding feelings
🧠 The cognitive aspect of empathy – perspective taking

Students are coached to recognize the baby’s feelings, their own feelings and the feelings of their classmates. That’s emotional literacy in action - and it’s the first step to learning how to regulate emotions.

Curious to learn more? Visit our website: https://rootsofempathy.org/

05/29/2026

We are deeply grateful to the WestMet Community Fund and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta for their support of nurturing empathy and emotional literacy in children through the Roots of Empathy program in Alberta 💚

Roots of Empathy-Building Resilience Through Emotional Literacy & Wellbeing Program: WestMET Community Fund Recipient $6,194

05/27/2026

"We are born with the capacity for empathy. An ability to recognize emotions transcends race, culture, nationality, social class and age.” - Mary Gordon

Let's embrace our innate capacity for empathy and build a more caring and peaceful world together. Interested in getting involved? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities: https://rootsofempathy.org/volunteer/