Empathy Rocks in the USA: Education Inequality
Find the Lesson Here
Students will learn about the education gap between those living in poverty and their more affluent peers. They will learn about why this issue matters and what they can do to help those who are facing extra struggles because of it.
Each month we will provide our “Empathy Countdown,” with 5 Acts of Kindness, 4 suggested art lessons with instructions, 3 Reading Guides, 2 Activities, and 1 Empathy Inspiration. Each has a lesson about empathy that can be discussed either before or after the art project is completed. These are simply extras provided for you if you would like to supplement the lessons, and are not required. Most projects shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes and are easy and fun for students.
Supplemental Guides for December
ACTS OF KINDNESS
Find opportunities to give compliments. It could make someone’s entire day. Don’t just think it. Say it!
Is someone being especially kind? Tell the teacher!
Return shopping carts for people at the grocery store.
Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!
Send a ‘Thank you’ card or note to the officers at your local police or fire station.
Art Projects
Floating Dot Bookmarks
Book Making
Pasta Cat in the Hats
Rainbow Fish
Reading Guides
Little Libraries, Big Heroes
Mae Among the Stars
Malala Activist for Girls’ Education
Classroom activities
Kids Yoga
Mystery Box
Empathy Inspiration
There have been a lot of stories about the Scholastic Book Fair. Some adults have written about their experience as low-income students, unable to buy books but watching all their friends have fun and get new things to read.
Recently, students and teachers have begun to start fundraising to support those students whose parents can’t afford to give them money for the Scholastic Book Fair. That way, everyone gets to participate!