Compassion and Empathy in Educational Contexts

This book explores the importance of compassion and empathy within educational contexts. While compassion and empathy are widely recognised as key to living a happy and healthy life, there is little written about how these qualities can be taught to children and young people, or how teachers can model these traits in their own practice. This book shares several models of compassion and empathy that can be implemented in schooling contexts, also examining how these qualities are presented in children’s picture books, films and games. The editors and contributors share personal insights and practical approaches to improve both awareness and use of compassionate and empathetic approaches to others. This book will be of interest and value to all those interested in promoting compassion and empathy within education.

Georgina Barton is Associate Professor of Literacies and Pedagogy at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She has published widely in the areas of literacy, multimodality and the arts, and uses the arts to support teachers and students and promote their wellbeing. Susanne Garvis is Professor at Gothenburg University, Sweden, and Guest Professor at Stockholm University, Sweden. Her research specialises in early childhood education, with a particular focus on quality, learning and family involvement.