Empathy: Early Stages

 Give and take is an everyday occurrence in the preschool classroom. Children often motivated by wanting the same toy at the same time. Neither child understands the “need” of the other child to play with the toy.
Although you are not likely to see “empathy” listed on   classroom lesson plans, preschool is a perfect setting to practice the development and expression of empathy. Parents see empathy at play when a toddler tries to soothe a younger sibling by patting in a loving manner. While empathy seems inherent, it is a skill that can be further developed by practice and encouragement. An aware preschool staff has the perfect setting to do so many times a day.
Children can identify common emotions at a very young age when shown drawings of various facial expressions. It is important for children to hear and learn the words attached to different emotions to help them understand their own feelings. Empathy is possible to the extent the children can identify their own feelings and experiences in a similar situation.
When one child tussles with another over a toy, the teacher strives to make each child aware of the feelings of the other child by using words expressing emotion, “Johnny is crying because he is sad and he is sad because you took the car away from him. Can you get him a tissue to wipe his eyes? Maybe he’ll feel better then. I know you are angry because you wanted the car but he is playing with it. Remember to be patient and ask if you can have it next.”
The teacher guides the process by using the words to express the feelings involved in the conflict and engages the children in ways to resolve the issue. Hearing the teacher use words that express the likely feelings of each child helps the children to understand their own feelings as well as the feelings of the other child. This understanding aids in the development of empathy.
These early steps of learning to be in “another’s shoes” can develop into skills that benefit a child throughout like. Studies have shown that successful people score high on the empathetic scale. The practice of being aware of other people’s needs and feelings aids in the development of all positive relationships.
For further information or to schedule a tour please call 661-259-3888. Village Country Day Preschool is located at 24279 Valley Street in. Newhall.