South Lanarkshire pupils say a big ‘thank you’ to tiny teachers

Primary three pupils gathered at Carstairs Junction Primary School to say a big 'thank you' to South Lanarkshire's tiniest teachers at a Baby Celebration held by Action for Children Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council today [Wednesday, 13 June 2012].

The event marked the end of the school year forRoots of Empathy­- an innovative programme that encourages children to interact in a nurturing manner by bringing a baby and parent into the classroom. The programme was introduced to nine primary schools in South Lanarkshire by leading charity, Action for Children Scotland.

Pupils from Carstairs Junction Primary School thanked baby Henry by writing wishes for his future and hanging them on a special wish tree at the Baby Celebration.

Paul Carberry, operational director of children's services at Action for Children Scotland, said: "Classroom visits by the baby and parent are at the heart ofRoots of Empathy, helping schoolchildren to better understand their own feelings and the feelings of others. Today's celebration gives pupils and teachers, as well as staff from South Lanarkshire Council and Action for Children Scotland, the perfect opportunity to thank Henry for his hard work over the school year.

"Action for Children Scotland introducedRoots of Empathy­to 99 schools across the country this year and we simply could not have done it without our tiny teachers - and their parents! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the babies, mums and dads involved for making the first year ofRoots of Empathysuch a huge success."

As part of theRoots of Empathycurriculum, a baby and parent visit the class nine times throughout the school year. A trainedRoots of Empathyinstructor guides pupils in labeling the baby's emotions, raising levels of empathy amongst classmates and resulting in a dramatic reduction in levels of aggression among school children. Independent evaluations of the programme carried out in Canada - where it originated and has been active for the longest period of time - revealed a significant increase in peer acceptance in 74% of children and a decrease in social aggression in 39% of children.

 Separate events will be held at Crosshouse, St Ninian's, Forth, Neilsland, James Aiton, St Paul's, Greenhills and St Columbkille primary schools to thank their tiny teachers - Alistair, Sophie, Benjamin, Leo, Zarrar, Logan, Michael and Jacob [respectively].

Roots of Empathy was developed by internationally-recognised social entrepreneur, educator, author, child advocate and parenting expert, Mary Gordon, in 1996.  Over 450,000 children have taken part in the programme worldwide. The programme was piloted in North Lanarkshire by Action for Children Scotland in 2010 - the first time it was delivered anywhere in Britain. In 2011, Action for Children Scotland rolled outRoots of Empathyin 16 local authorities across Scotland.