Manitoba Launches Seeds of Empathy
December, 2010: Manitoba celebrated the official launch of Seeds of Empathy at the Four Feathers Aboriginal Head Start in Winnipeg. The festivities brought together government representatives and early childhood educators along with Seeds of Empathy parents and babies to mark the introduction of the program in 31 childcare centres, generously supported by Healthy Child Manitoba.
"We're taking the proven success of Roots of Empathy and will apply the same concepts of fostering social and emotional development to a younger age group," said Jim Rondeau, Manitoba’s Minister of Healthy Living, Youth, and Seniors.
(Read more.)Seeds of Empathy Programs Sprouting in Manitoba and Ontario
October 12, 2010: This fall, for the first time, lavender blankets will be unfolding in Manitoba and Ontario. These Canadian provinces are now joining British Columbia, Alberta, and Washington State, USA, as proud hosts and champions of Seeds of Empathy.
PD Day: Reflecting and Sharing
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| Participants enjoying the Music and Movement workshop component. |
May 18, 2010: In May, two dozen Seeds of Empathy early childhood educators from 12 childcare centres attended two professional development workshops in Edmonton, Alberta, on the topics of Music and Movement and Visual Literacy. Led by Seeds of Empathy Creator Mary Gordon, the workshops also featured two demonstration Family Visits with moms Adelle Sloan and Kaya Frayn and their babies (Summer and Phoenix, respectively). Participants were asked to give a piece of advice or key learning they would share with a new childcare centre or Family Guide/Literacy Coach starting the program. Here are a few of their reflections:
"Administrators: Be part of the program. Pre-read the books, involve yourself in the Family Visit. Incorporate the Seeds of Empathy learning all day long, not just through Literacy Circles. Support the Literacy Coaches and Family Guide throughout the process." (Jodie Vesso, Beaumont Early Learning Centre)
“When I was speaking/playing with the children I constantly referred back to the themes, feelings, books, or to our baby with them. If there were problems or confrontations I would refer to one of the Seeds of Empathy books the children had heard and ask if they remembered how that person/character felt... (Read more)
New children's book by Mary Gordon now available!
May 24, 2010: A children's story book created by ROE/SOE Creator Mary Gordon for parents and for children 3 to 8 years old, is now available for sale. In Daniel's Day, the introduction to this book gives parents unique insights into the emotional life of a five year old child and the importance of the ebb and flow of relationships in families. A tin mirror at the back of the book invites reflection on feelings from both the adult and child reader in a playful way. It is available in English and French. Buy the book!
Seeds of Empathy spreading in Seattle
April 19, 2010: Tiny seeds sometimes travel far... even bridging national borders! That's certainly true this year with Seeds of Empathy (SOE), which has just celebrated its first international launch in Seattle, Washington. This year, SOE is reaching 100 children in the Seattle area, funded generously by The John and Nancy Sabol Foundation. Meanwhile SOE's "older sibling," Roots of Empathy (ROE), which has been running in greater Seattle since 2007, has already reached 1,700 children in three years.
One of Seattle's first tiny teachers greets children around the lavender blanket. (Picture right)
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