Empathy Rocks in the U.S.A.
Presented by Business for Good
Empathy Rocks in the U.S.A. is an art program that explores issues like poverty and natural disasters to heighten children’s social responsibility and sensitivity to the world around them and each other. Topics for the program include the children detained at the border, homeless youth, and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Students learn about why they should care and how they can help. To help the lessons resonate with students, each lesson finishes with an art project.
A new lesson of the program is sent monthly to educators who are enrolled in the program. They can access the lessons through our online portal, which includes a lesson plan, powerpoint presentation, and an example video of a CMH educator presenting the lesson.
The Empathy Rocks in the U.S.A. curriculum is self-contained and all-inclusive. Most educators need nothing more than access to a computer and projector to be able to run each lesson.
Our program brings an overall improvement to the school culture and decreases instances of insensitivity and bullying.
QUOTES FROM OUR TEACHERS
"My students really like this program. They are learning a lot about compassion and empathy. This is a perfect supplement to our SEL programs. My students especially like all of the art that goes with it. As for me, the program is easy to follow. I really like the powerpoint presentations and videos that go with each lesson. I was wondering if you will offer it next year? I would love to teach it to my next year's class." -Ms. Phan
"We are loving it! 5th grade is a tough year because they are getting ready to transition to the Middle School where they go from the big kids in the school to the small kids. Having these lessons, I can combine them with my content standards for health and give them a grade!" - Ms. Zirkle
"The students are enjoying the lessons. We have been working on lots of Social-Emotional Learning this year, so these lessons have very much been a welcome addition to those focus areas. They loved making bookmarks [….] They turned out great. They decided that they wanted to donate them within our community. They were so excited to share them." - Ms. Saldana
