A Distance Widens and Then It Is Crossed
“But the most magical moments in reading occur not when I encounter something unknown but when I happen upon myself, when I read a sentence that perfectly describes something I have known or felt all along. I am reminded then that I am really no different from anyone else. . Perhaps that is the secret motive behind every library: to stumble upon ourselves in the lives and lands and tongues of others. And the more foreign the setting, the more poignant the event seems. For a strange thing occurs then: A distance widens and then it is crossed.” . —Hisham Matar from “Books Can...
Read MoreNegativity in Schools on the Rise
Teaching Tolerance, founded in 1991 by the Southern Poverty Law Center, is and organization dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children. In the first days after the 2016 presidential election, Teaching Tolerance administered an online survey to K–12 educators from across the country. Over 10,000 teachers, counselors, administrators and others who work in schools have responded. The survey data indicate that the results of the election are having a profoundly negative impact on schools and...
Read MoreEmpathy Drive Featured on Vermont Radio
Kirsten Cappy of Curious City (aka The Empathy Driver) was interviewed by Chris Lenois of WKVT’s Green Mountain Mornings for their radio show and podcast.
Read MoreRead & Engage: I’m New Here
Being “new” and being “different” are universal experiences. Then why do some find it hard to feel empathetic to the experience of immigrants and refugees? How can learning to be empathetic teach us to also be welcoming? With a companion dialogue and activity kit, educators, librarians, parents and community leaders can use the book I’m New Here to support empathy and welcoming. Watch one classroom’s reaction to the book and activities: ENGAGE Explore the Welcoming Kit for classrooms and communities here. THE BOOK I’m New Here By Anne Sibley...
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