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The Children's Art Gallery

For the first time in 25 years, Green Blankets are no longer in classrooms. As a result of the pandemic, Roots of Empathy is taking our experiential program to a first time limited online version where in most cases Instructors work virtually with a volunteer parent, baby, classroom teacher and students. In spite of all these degrees of separation, the children are learning to understand and express their feelings.

8 year old Dorian drew the main feeling he had during the pandemic—NERVOUS. In the program, Dorian and his classmates and many thousands of children in our Recovery Program are bursting to talk about their feelings. These discussions reduce children’s stress and anxiety, help children reconnect with one another, and build solidarity.

This picture from a little boy in Grade 3, is a pictorial commentary on how his life changed during the pandemic.

1)Playgrounds closed

2) there were shortages of groceries

3) some people got crazy and punched

4)people were sick

5)people had to line up in front of stores

6)people had to stay home

7)people had to wear masks

This little boy had a 360 degree picture of what happened in terms of food, security, health risks, and violence. Even though only 8 years old, he was aware of having to stay home, having to wear a mask and not being able to play. His world view reached beyond his home to his neighborhood. For most children, the loss of routine, the restrictions of movement, and the loss of friendships made everything in their life feel uncertain and parents couldn’t promise them that everything would be okay. Having the opportunity to talk about their experiences in the safety of a Roots of Empathy class will help build their mental health and wellbeing.

Eight year old Dorian drew the main feeling he had during the pandemic—NERVOUS. In the program, Dorian and his classmates and many thousands of children in our Recovery Program are bursting to talk about their feelings. These discussions reduce children’s stress and anxiety, help children reconnect with one another, and build solidarity.

This picture from a little boy in Grade 3 is a pictorial commentary on how his life changed during the pandemic:

  1. playgrounds closed
  2. there were shortages of groceries
  3. some people got crazy and punched
  4. people were sick
  5. people had to line up in front of stores
  6. people had to stay home
  7. people had to wear masks

This little boy had a 360 degree picture of what happened in terms of food, security, health risks, and violence. Even though only 8 years old, he was aware of having to stay home, having to wear a mask and not being able to play. His world view reached beyond his home to his neighborhood. For most children, the loss of routine, the restrictions of movement, and the loss of friendships made everything in their life feel uncertain and parents couldn’t promise them that everything would be okay. Having the opportunity to talk about their experiences in the safety of a Roots of Empathy class will help build their mental health and well-being.

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