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Ontario grows Seeds of Empathy

This fall, 10 new childcare centres from across Ontario will receive the Seeds of Empathy program, joining three existing centres, for a total of 13 programs in the province. Ontario now joins British Columbia, Alberta, and Seattle as another proud host and champion of Seeds of Empathy.

Children at the Munsee-Delaware Nation Child Care Centre in Ontario gather around the lavender blanket to observe "their" baby, Emma. Their mirror neurons are firing and wiring, allowing for optimal brain development. Learning in Seeds of Empathy is experiential and children's brains are sculpted by this experience.

Seeds of Empathy in British Columbia

This June, a multitude of babies and children were fêted as "British Columbia's youngest teachers" at A Decade of Empathy, in Vancouver. The event, captured on the front page of the Vancouver Sun, was held to mark the tenth anniversary of Roots of Empathy in British Columbia, which also happens to be the fifth anniversary of the Seeds of Empathy program in B.C. Both programs fell on hard times in the province in 2009 when government funding cutbacks – widely experienced by many charities in B.C. – forced the cancellation of many Roots of Empathy and Seeds of Empathy programs. The "Decade of Empathy" event signaled a renewal of sorts with the announcement that both programs would continue next year (albeit still in a reduced capacity) thanks to other funders that have stepped forward.

"We are very lucky to have new funding partners this year, although we are still seeking further funding support in B.C.," said Mary Gordon, Creator of Seeds of Empathy. "We are not going full-force next year, but we are still very much alive in the province, and able to cover the costs for many of our existing childcare centres next year. And we remain grateful to the Government of British Columbia for its outstanding support for so many years. We are very hopeful funding can be restored when finances stabilize in the province."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Children and Family Development is continuing to fund Seeds of Empathy programs in Aboriginal childcare centres in the province in alignment with their focus on supporting Aboriginal children, a remarkable and generous contribution given the government’s current financial realities.

The "Decade of Empathy" festivities featured remarks from Linda Reid, MLA; Hal Wake, Artistic Director, Vancouver International Writers Festival; Lyle Viereck, Roots of Empathy Board Member and BC Hydro Director of Aboriginal Relations and Negotiations; and past and current Vancouver School Board representatives Chris Kelly, Larry Haberlin and Lisa Pedrini. As well, Hereditary Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation gave a traditional welcome to the territory and spoke warmly about the program:

"'Nexwniw' is a Squamish word for a good upbringing. The work of Roots of Empathy is vital in immersing young children with foundations of success. I commend the good work being done by this organization," he said.

Gordon believes both Roots of Empathy and Seeds of Empathy are making a difference in B.C. "We started by reaching 250 children in Vancouver ten years ago, and to date we have reached more than 85,000 children in the province. It is these children who are lighting the footpath to the future. Empathy is the very foundation of a civil society."

PD Day: Reflecting and Sharing

Participants enjoying the Music and Movement workshop component.

"Administrators: Be part of the program. Pre-read the books, involve yourself in the Family Visit. Incorporate the Seeds of Empathy learning all day long, not just through Literacy Circles. Support the Literacy Coaches and Family Guide throughout the process." (Jodie Vesso, Beaumont Early Learning Centre)

“When I was speaking/playing with the children I constantly referred back to the themes, feelings, books, or to our baby with them. If there were problems or confrontations I would refer to one of the Seeds of Empathy books the children had heard and ask if they remembered how that person/character felt or we would talk about how that would make our Seeds of Empathy baby feel. Discussions about feelings and empathy were not just for Family Visits or Literacy Circles, they were constant in our room and in the children's play all the time." (JoyDawn Corbeil, Beaumont Early Learning Centre)

"Watch and make observations to catch heartfelt moments. It is surprising how often during the day the children role play and share learning form the Seeds of Empathy program." (Tammy Kokocki, Beaumont Early Learning Centre)

"Wait until the family has arrived before getting the children ready in case the family is delayed.” (Carol Pizani, Pumpkin Patch Child Care & Learning Centre)

"I have a picture agenda on the bulletin board at circle time and when baby Chloe comes, I put up our Seeds of Empathy picture card to tell the children it’s our Family Visit day. They get excited and start to cheer when they see the picture." (Rosa Capozzi, Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre)

"Family Guides: When emailing your parent to remind them of the upcoming visit and spend time crafting the content. This provides the parents with a true understanding of the purpose of the visit; it provides them with the methods and questions you’ll be asking, and it gives them time to reflect on their own understandings and practices. It also provides you with an in-depth reminder of the visit sequence and enables you to fall deeper into the content." (Joan Svederus, Red Deer College Child Care)

"Relax, have fun, allow the discussions to go in the direction the children lead it in." (Tara Dyck, Red Deer College Child Care)

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.

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. "The love they share with their children makes it possible for children to have happy and productive lives. The photographs are for babies and little children, who love to look at faces. Together, the words and pictures strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child."

Consider Faces of Tomorrow if you are looking for a meaningful gift for a new parent. All proceeds from the sale of this book are reinvested in the Seeds of Empathy program.

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.

Baby Celebration and 'Faces of Tomorrow' Book Launch a Success

Jun. 20, 2009: A group of Seeds of Empathy (SOE) babies were celebrated for their teaching contributions in some Edmonton childcare centres at the first ever SOE Baby Celebration, held on June 19, 2009. The celebration marked the end of the second year of a three-year pilot that saw the program delivered to 36 early childhood centres across the province of Alberta.

Mary Gordon, Creator of Seeds of Empathy, at the baby celebration with some of the program's tiny "teachers" and parents. (Picture left)

The baby celebration coincided with the launch of a new children's board book, Faces of Tomorrow, by Mary Gordon, best-selling author, Founder/President of Roots of Empathy and creator of SOE. Ms. Gordon presented the book and its dedication to the Honourable Iris Evans, Minister of Finance and Enterprise, in recognition of her informed leadership and unfailing support in improving the circumstances of Alberta children.

The book will be gifted to volunteer families involved with the program. It will also be placed in the SOE centres in support of the early literacy development of immigrant children, which is one of the key aims of the program along with fostering social and emotional competencies.

"We begin with love," Mary Gordon states in the book, "Love is the cement of the future that connects us all in a universal chain of possibility. The birth of each baby is the birth of hope. Through loving parenting babies develop empathy. This ability to understand how others feel is a prerequisite for conflict resolution, altruism, and a peaceful tomorrow."

The Honourable Iris Evans is presented with a framed copy of Faces of Tomorrow, while Mary Gordon reads aloud the dedication from the book. (Picture right)

Fourty-Eight New Centres Trained

Nov. 1, 2009: Twenty-four childcare centres in Alberta and 24 in British Columbia (including 11 Aboriginal centres) have received training to deliver Seeds of Empathy (SOE) in the 2008-9 program year. In regional trainings held across the two provinces from mid-September to early November, approximately 200 Early Childhood Educators learned about SOE values, curriculum and implementation of the program.

Seeds of Empathy had its first Aboriginal-specific training in Richmond, BC. Visitors included the Honourable Linda Reid, Minister of State for Child Care and Lyle Viereck, Director, Aboriginal Relations & Negotiations, BC Hydro (pictured at left with Baby Malena). SOE has been funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). BC Hydro is our newest partner in supporting Seeds of Empathy and Roots of Empathy in Aboriginal communities.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) endorses Seeds of Empathy

Jul. 18, 2008: Seeds of Empathy (SOE) is proud to report that the Assembly of First Nations, the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada, has recently passed a resolution to support and endorse both Seeds of Empathy and Roots of Empathy, SOE's older sibling.

On July 17, 2008, at the invitation of National Chief Phil Fontaine, SOE Founder and President Mary Gordon spoke to chiefs at the AFN's 29th Annual General Assembly in Quebec City. The Assembly then passed the resolution, calling both programs "compatible with traditional First Nations teachings and worldviews" because they address aggression and foster empathy and social and emotional competence.

From left to right: Monique Gray Smith, SOE Aboriginal Advisor, National Chief Phil Fontaine and Mary Gordon, Creator of SOE

Seeds of Empathy launches in BC and Alberta

Jan. 15, 2008: Seeds of Empathy programs in Canada's two westernmost provinces celebrated official launches recently. The launches brought government funders, and child care staff together with program creator Mary Gordon to mark this special event. Both events drew media attention in their provinces.

In British Columbia, the launch was held at the Treehouse Early Learning Centre in Richmond. Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid joined Mary Gordon for the event in December 2007. Read the media release about the BC launch here.

In Alberta, the program was launched in both Edmonton and Calgary in January 2008, drawing media attention from local newspapers and regional radio and television. The Honourable Iris Evans, then Minister of Employment, Immigration and Industry, joined Mary Gordon at the event. In Edmonton, the launch was held at the Norwood Child and Family Centre. In Calgary, Mount Royal College Child Care Centre hosted the event. Click here to read the Alberta government's media release about the event.