A recent Harvard study finds that there is a disconnect between what adults tell children is important (empathy and helping others) and the implicit messages adults send about what they actually value (achievement and happiness).
It would follow, then, that in order for kids to internalize that helping others is truly important, adults need to align what they say with actions that back it up….
Below are three guiding principles in action at Park Forest that any school wanting to become more empathy-oriented can adopt.
- Provide meaningful learning for ALL in the school community.
- Practice democratic values
- Listen, and then hand over the reins.
