Ms. Galbraith’s Grade 2 class has been taking part in the Roots of Empathy program this school year. Led by Ms. Hawley, a trained Roots of Empathy instructor, and supported by Baby Tao—a beloved member of the Elmwood community—the program offers students a unique opportunity to explore emotional intelligence and connection. Over the course of nine monthly visits, students observe Baby Tao’s growth and developmental milestones, learning to read his emotional cues. These observations spark thoughtful discussions about their own feelings and those of their peers, creating a foundation for deeper empathy and understanding.
Founded on the loving relationship between a parent and a baby—where empathy begins—Roots of Empathy helps children build the emotional awareness needed to shape a kinder world. With over 1.2 million children reached globally, the program has a proven impact: it reduces aggression and bullying, while increasing sharing, caring, inclusion, resilience, and positive mental health. Their mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies by nurturing empathy in both children and adults—and their vision is simple yet powerful: to change the world, child by child.