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 Seeds of Empathy is designed for Early Childhood settings to foster social and emotional competence and early literacy skills and attitudes in children three to five years of age while providing professional development for their educators.
Seeds of Empathy grew out of Roots of Empathy, a program for elementary school children from Kindergarten to Grade 8. It is the younger sibling of Roots of Empathy and brings the messages of that program to three-to-five-year-olds.
To learn more about Roots of Empathy, click here.
As Alberta's population grows more diverse and we attract more immigrants to our province, it's important to build communities where people of all backgrounds are valued. By teaching our children how to form positive relationships during their critical developmental years, we improve our ability to create safer and more welcoming communities. Empathy is the cornerstone of a compassionate and caring society."
- The Honourable Iris Evans
Minister of Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry, 2007
The Seeds of Empathy program fosters the development of positive social and emotional behaviours in the critical early years of a child's life. The earlier we can help teach little ones about infant development, diversity and respecting and valuing others the better off we all are when those children enter the school system."
- The Honourable Linda Reid
British Columbia Minister of State for Child Care, 2007
News
New children's book by Mary Gordon now available!
 May 24, 2010: A children's story book created by ROE/SOE Creator Mary Gordon for parents and for children 3 to 8 years old, is now available for sale. In Daniel's Day, the introduction to this book gives parents unique insights into the emotional life of a five year old child and the importance of the ebb and flow of relationships in families. A tin mirror at the back of the book invites reflection on feelings from both the adult and child reader in a playful way. It is available in English and French. Buy the book!
Seeds of Empathy spreading in Seattle
 April 19, 2010: Tiny seeds sometimes travel far... even bridging national borders! That's certainly true this year with Seeds of Empathy (SOE), which has just celebrated its first international launch in Seattle, Washington. This year, SOE is reaching 100 children in the Seattle area, funded generously by The John and Nancy Sabol Foundation. Meanwhile SOE's "older sibling," Roots of Empathy (ROE), which has been running in greater Seattle since 2007, has already reached 1,700 children in three years.
One of Seattle's first tiny teachers greets children around the lavender blanket. (Picture right)
Faces of Tomorrow available for purchase
 March 16, 2010: A popular board book created by SOE Creator Mary Gordon for parents, babies, and preschool children, is now available for sale. The 20-page Faces of Tomorrow book contains beautiful full-colour portraits of babies from diverse backgrounds, accompanied by text in five languages (English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, and Chinese). "The words in the book are for parents – they are words of encouragement and admiration," says Gordon. (Read more)
Mary Gordon at Langley early years conference
January 18, 2010: Mary Gordon was the keynote speaker at a half-day early years event in Langley, British Columbia today. The event, called Seeds of Success, was presented by the Langley Community Services Society. Gordon inspired the audience of early years educators, speaking passionately about the importance of empathy-focused programs for children and her work creating the SOE program.
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