Since 1993, the education system in Denmark includes mandatory classes teaching empathy as part of the core curriculum to all students ages 6 to 16. For one hour per week of input about empathy, kindness, and cooperation, students come together in a safe and relaxed environment to discuss their problems as their classmates come up with solutions. Each student is heard and receives encouragement and inspiration from others through listening and participating, and at the same time, they learn about mutual respect and problem-solving. Students learn to help their classmates and compete only with themselves.

Although we do not specifically use the word ‘empathy’ in our CREATING THE DYNAMIC CLASSROOM: 5 Must-Haves for Teachers, 4th Edition, in BOOK 1: Creating an Inclusive Classroom Atmosphere, Mindy and I include information for teachers and parents about the followIng (to name a few):

• Building and ensuring inclusion
• Knowing your learners
• Meeting the diverse needs of your learners
• Cultural diversity
• Student well-being, mental health, stress, & wellness
• Self-regulation
• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Happiness
• Student engagement
• Self- and peer-assessment
• Anti-bullying/cyberbullying
• Collaborative team-building
• Cooperative Learning
• Designing the classroom environment
• Partnering with parents

We offer practical and easy-to-implement ideas and strategies organically infused into the curriculum to teach children about empathy, self- and mutual respect, cooperation, collaboration, and caring. Additionally, we recommend effective teacher resources and children’s literature to use to implement dynamic teaching in your classrooms. We hope you will find the information in our ebooks or paperbacks, and in our downloadable resources accessed on our website, useful and relevant! Wishing you all the very best!

If you have any questions or comments, please send me an EMAIL.