Students’ time with baby builds empathy

They have an empathy and can recognise when somebody needs help. It is all helping to make them into world citizens.

At just 11 weeks old Thomas Rouse was considerably younger than most on his first day of school.

This year Thomas and his mother Rebecca Rouse have been making regular visits to classroom 19 at Three Kings School.

Thomas’ school-aged pals have watched him steadily grow and conquer significant milestones.

The bubbly 11-month old is part of the Roots of Empathy scheme. The Canadian-developed programme helps children to develop empathy through regular interactions with a baby.

It has been used by Three Kings School since 2007. Mackenzie Walley was the first baby – she is now 7-years-old.

Founder Mary Gordon visited the school on Tuesday as the students celebrated their year with Thomas.

Gordon says she has seen some wonderful examples of the pro- gramme during her flying visit to New Zealand.

‘‘It is very exciting to see them at the end of the year after a long period of interaction,’’ she says.

‘‘They are able to express their empathy and understanding for the baby and bring it back to situations in their own lives.’’

She says those skills will lead to a more harmonious school environment.

‘‘When you understand how another person feels you are less likely to hurt or bully them.’’

Through the programme children learn about safety in the home, fetal alcohol syndrome, safe handling of babies, their temperaments patterns.

Deputy principal Jude Hudson says the interactions with the infant fit well with the health and wellbeing curriculum.

‘‘There are nine different themes – one of those is never shake a baby. They learn all about the brain and how fragile it is.’’

She says over the year there has been a change in how the students behave.

‘‘It is in the understanding they have developed. They have an empathy and can recognise when somebody needs help,’’ she says.

‘‘It is all helping to make them into world citizens.’’

and

sleeping