1. Harnessing the power of stories to develop empathy, literacy and social activism

2. Our approach and outcomes
Immersion in stories and linked activities
Increased empathy and literacy
Better attitudes/social justice
Increased social activism

3. “To be a successful human being, you need to be in touch with other people’s feelings. I am following EmpathyLab with great interest. I love the way it brings together the worlds of literacy, neuroscience and wellbeing.”
Dame Jacqueline Wilson

4. The world needs more empathy
Alvina’s chart

5. Why empathy?
The ability to feel and understand other people’s emotions and perspectives is… A core life skill vital for successful relationships, collaboration and learning A force for change as empathy is put into action

6. “Reading fiction makes the brain simulate cognitive and affective responses to the real world”
Maria Nikolajeva, Cambridge University

7. Words and stories build empathy
“In reading, you get to feel things, visit places and worlds you would never otherwise know.
You learn that everyone else out there is a me, as well “
Neil Gaiman

8. Empathy skills we aim to build
The ability to feel, connect to and respect another person’s feelings
Good communication: active listening and deep conversation
A strong imagination - to enter into other people’s feelings
Having the language to recognise and share emotions
The capacity to be reflective, especially about other people’s feelings
Putting empathic understanding into action: pro-social attitudes and behaviours

9. Why empathy matters in schools
Achievement/ curriculum
Why empathy matters in schools
Well being
School ethos/classroom climate
Outstanding leadership: strong links to Ofsted’s descriptors
Citizenship local and global/ community links
Behaviour
Helping troubled pupils
Literacy skills
Equal life chances

10. How can we stop ourselves judging people?
Author Bali Rai asks our Empathy Detectives for their ideas.

11. I’m so fed up. This is really boring. I want to go home….
This ground is very hard. I wish I’d bought some cardboard
I’m so fed up. This is really boring. I want to go home….

12. Family Empathy BookSpotting

13. "I've finished One Dog And His Boy where the main character is very lonely. When I'd finished the book, I thought a lot about it. One day when I was in the playground I saw a girl who looked really lonely, she was sitting down on her own, so I went and played with her”
Gracie, Year 5

14. Library possibilities
Drive new national conversation Local empathy hubs National and local delivery partners for key outcomes

15. Library possibilities
- Family skills + activities - Local joint training - Empathy book promos - World Book Day - Empathy Day - Double win author events - SLS visits/ empathy themed lists - Community social action

16. Miranda
McKearney
OBE
@MirandaMcK
@EmpathyLabUK