By Maryam Abdullah, Photo: from article, Greater Good Magazine, August 14, 2023
“I teach sixth grade in an elementary school in Palm Coast, F.L. I want my students to step outside their boxes and meet people that may appear different than they are, but actually share the same hopes, dreams, likes, dislikes, etc. I also want them to be comfortable initiating and taking part in difficult conversations.”
“Over the last few weeks, the kiddos have had such an amazing time opening their eyes to their own identities and that of their classmates. We also met our friends in Mobile, [Alabama,] which was great! We are all looking forward to what’s to come.”
These reflections are from teachers who participated in Empathy Across the USA, an initiative by Empatico that connects elementary school classrooms in the United States through an online platform. This program gives children in third through fifth grade opportunities for contact across racial and socioeconomic differences, including activities to support live and asynchronous dialogue and collaboration with other classrooms. The program aims to build empathy and understanding, and empower students to collaborate to take compassionate, informed action on local issues that affect their communities.
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