During the pandemic, we’ve seen the need for empathy more than ever before. The great news is that empathy is a skill you can learn, and Empathy Day on June 9 aims to help everyone understand and experience its transformational power.
Scientists say that we can train our brain with stories – the more you empathise with characters, the more you understand other people’s feelings. EmpathyLab (the non-for-profit organisation behind Empathy Day) have created a brilliant day of online and home-based celebrations to help children READ, CONNECT and ACT using empathy.
The day features top authors and illustrators including Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Noughts and Crosses author Malorie Blackman, illustrator Rob Biddulph and poet Joseph Coelho. Full programme details are here and you can start joining in now with this brilliant Family Activities Pack.
To help you choose the best books for children and young poeple to learn about empathy, we’ve put together our pick of the best:
Best books for Empathy Day 0-8 year-olds | 8-12+ year-olds
Why not also try one of our brilliant Share A Story Author & Illustrator video masterclasses? Shortlisted for the The Education Resources Awards 2020 and with a focus on reading for empathy, they are perfect for teachers to use as a home learning exercise or for parents to watch with their children. Each video comes with activities and resources to complete afterwards.
- The Magic of Empathy with Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell
- Growth Mindset with Matthew Syed, author of You Are Awesome
- Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes with Muhammad Khan, author of Kick The Moon
