Strategies that Build Connection and Empathy with Children Using The Power of Perspective-Taking, by Jacky Howell, MA

In our early childhood programs and communities, often we focus on the skills of kindness and empathy as a way for children to connect with others in a caring, positive way. Yet a skill often overlooked is perspective-taking. "Perspective taking skills" refer to the ability to understand and consider a situation from another person's point of view, encompassing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences and putting aside our own. It goes beyond empathy, as it not only understanding someone’s emotions, yet also understanding their reasoning and viewpoint. This session will focus on how we can support children’s growth in these skills, sharing specific examples that can be shared in early childhood programs and with families.

This session will be provided by Jacky Howell, MA who is the co-author of the newly published book, Reflection, Perspective-Taking and Social Justice: Stories of Empathy and Kindness in the Early Childhood Classroom.”

Objectives

• Participants will gain information about perspective-taking and how it relates to empathy and kindness.

• Participants will experience a wide variety of ideas, strategies, and examples that can be used in their programs as well as share with families.