In St Theresa’s we are delighted to be taking part in the Roots of Empathy Programme under the leadership of our trained Roots of Empathy Instructor Mrs Mc Cool.

At the heart of the Programme we welcome an infant and parent from the local community who visit a chosen classroom on nine occasions throughout the school year. It is an evidence-based Programme that observes the baby’s development while promoting and encouraging the pupils to identify and reflect on their own feelings and encourage empathy with others.

This year our Primary 4 pupils were involved in the Roots of Empathy Programme and they always looked forward to welcoming their special little visitor into the classroom - Baby Harlow.

Our Primary 4 pupils have built such a positive and loving relationship with Baby Harlow through the Roots of Empathy Programme. They have also gained from listening to and learning about Parenting from Mummy Hayley, who enjoys seeing Baby Harlow interact with all of the Primary 4 pupils.

Baby Harlow has the Primary 4 pupils engaged and enthralled with his new skills and milestones as he grows and develops his own personality observed and experienced by them on a regular basis.

Through this experiential learning, Mrs Mc Cool and Baby Harlow are able to succeed in helping the children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This "emotional literacy" taught through the Roots of Empathy Programme lays the foundation for more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the "Changers". They become confident in recognizing and understanding their own feelings, and also the feelings of others. They can challenge what is not fair and are keen to help those with problems.

Watching our P4 children engage with Harlow is just beautiful and I know our pupils always look forward to seeing their ‘teacher’ Harlow on the next planned visit.

Finally, If you would like to find out more information about the Roots of Empathy Programme, please click here.