'Baby' pupil causes a stir at Tonagh PS
by JENNY MONROE
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Baby Conor and his mum Helen, visit the classroom at Tonagh Primary where trained Roots of Empathy instructor, Lynda Tavakoli, gathers the children around as they watch Conor grow and develop. |
TONAGH Primary School is to get its youngest ever 'pupil' as it launches
a new programme called 'Roots of Empathy'.
This programme teaches children about their own feelings and the feelings of
others and once every three weeks baby Conor and his mum Helen visit the
classroom where trained Roots of Empathy instructor, Lynda Tavakoli, gathers
the children around a green blanket and together they watch Conor grow and
develop.
The programme began a few weeks ago and the pupils from Mrs. Childs' P5 class are already full of excitement at the prospect of watching their baby develop over the coming year.
Mrs. Stevenson, acting Principal of the school, is delighted at the children's response. "I am absolutely delighted with how the Roots of Empathy Programme has already enthused staff and children alike. This is a very exciting project and I am delighted that Tonagh Primary School is pioneering it."
The Roots of Empathy programme originated in Canada ten years ago but is
now an internationally renowned scheme where thousands of children have
learned both self and mutual respect.
Mrs. Tavakoli said: 'Any skepticism I may have had regarding 'Roots of
Empathy' dissipated as soon as the children met three month old Conor for
the first time.
"The look of pure excitement and pride on their faces was priceless and I have no doubts whatsoever that, at the end of the programme they will have understood the true meaning of 'empathy' and put it into practice."
Ulster Star
10/12/2010
