Value of the Month: Empathy
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the importance of emotional intelligence and social skills cannot be overstated. At Meritton British International School, one such crucial skill is celebrated as the “Value of the Month”: Empathy. This core value is woven into the fabric of the school’s educational philosophy, which focuses on assessing the “whole child,” going beyond academic achievements to also measure progress in social skills, emotional resilience, and personal development. By nurturing empathy, Meritton empowers its students to become compassionate, understanding, and well-rounded individuals.
Understanding Empathy: A Journey of Self and Others
Empathy is defined as the ability to understand how another person experiences the world. The first step in this journey is for a child to understand their own emotions. As the ancient adage “know thyself” suggests, children must first recognize and articulate their own feelings before they can truly grasp those of others. The school believes that empathy is a vital component for building strong relationships, fostering trust, and enhancing understanding. As Henry Ford once said, “If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from his angle as well as your own”.
How Meritton Nurtures Empathy in Students
Meritton British International School integrates the practice of empathy into the daily lives of its students through various activities and teaching moments. Teachers evaluate student progress in this value by observing their understanding and practice before and after the “value month”. The school provides practical tips for parents to reinforce this learning at home, which include:
- Helping them express themselves: Encouraging children to use the right vocabulary to articulate their feelings is the first step toward understanding others.
- Validating feelings: Acknowledging a child’s emotions shows them that their feelings are important and not to be dismissed.
- Practicing generosity: Opportunities to be generous without expecting anything in return, such as helping a classmate, help children consider how their actions make others feel.
- Learning from stories: Asking about characters’ feelings in books and films helps children think beyond their own experiences.
- Daily teaching moments: When a child acts unkindly, asking them to consider how the other person might feel is more educational than scolding or blaming.
- Imagining their perspective: For parents, trying to see the world through their child’s eyes can help them understand their choices and model empathetic behavior.
Empathy in the Community: The Meritton Difference
The focus on empathy extends beyond the classroom. It is a value that helps students navigate challenges and grow into responsible global citizens. The school’s approach to measuring progress is unique; it celebrates “personal bests” rather than “beating the field”. This philosophy reinforces the idea that true growth is about self-improvement and a deeper understanding of one’s own journey, which is closely tied to the ability to be empathetic towards others.
Through this comprehensive approach, Meritton British International School demonstrates its commitment to developing not just academically strong students, but also compassionate and empathetic individuals who are well-prepared to contribute positively to the world.
