Empathy training is an important part of our Montessori classroom. Through the Second Step early learning program, we continuously engage the children in social emotional learning. Circle time is a great time to involve the whole class and use the tools of the second step program. Tools such as puppets, picture cards, songs, role playing, and poems are used to build empathy. Topics include identifying feelings, caring and helping, managing waiting, fair ways to play, and joining in with play. The children especially like the puppets and role playing as it gives them a chance to put themselves in each other’s shoes.
