Empathy Changes People

Empathy.  Pink makes a great point for educators, empathy.  Empathy creates a bond between teacher and student.  When empathy is present, understanding multiplies, providing an engaging environment conducive for learning.  Such is the case with little girl porcupine.  She can be a problem, and has been one since the third grade.  When her mouth shoots off conflict arises, teacher discipline, etc.  The class time is ruined and so is my peace.  Lately, I am trying a new approach, befriend the little girl and treat her special.  It's hard to do this with little girl porcupine, the needles go in and the barb makes it difficult to remove.  One must be careful.  Relationships are a craft with reasonable adults, yet unreasonable children  present a whole new maze of problems.  The approach is working.  She wants to please and be treated with respect.  The three "r's" come into play here.  Respect, responsibility, and redemption.  We must redeem when possible.  Empathy is a tool that can make redemption a reality.