Compassion encourages positive social behaviour and ethical citizenship which helps to build strong communities. Compassion can be fostered through demonstrating care for others, understanding others’ points of view, and recognizing and discussing emotional states in self and others.
Widen Your Circle!
Watch a video and widen your Circle of Compassion.
Elementary
Supplies:
- pencil
- paper
- crayons, pencil crayons and/or markers
Instructions:
- Watch the following video to learn about compassion:
- What is Compassion? (1:37)
- Draw a small circle in the middle of the piece of paper, big enough to write your name inside.
- Write your name inside.
- Draw a bigger circle around the smaller circle. Leave enough space in between the circles (about 4-5 fingers).
- Write (or draw) the names of people, animals, and the environment you care most about (family, friends, pets, etc.)
- Now, draw a big circle around the other two circles. This circle should almost be touching the sides of the paper.
- Widen your circle by including others that are deserving of your compassion (members of the community, stray pets, farm animals, wildlife, the environment) in the third circle.
Resources:
- If you have access to a printer you can print this Circle of Compassion template.
Compassion in Action!
Watch a short documentary and write a letter.
UPPER ELEMENTARY/JR. HIGH
Supplies:
- pencil
- paper
Instructions:
- Watch the following CBC documentary about a turtle trauma centre:
- Fix and Release (15:37)
- Research a person or organization that acts compassionately to make a difference for animals, people, and/or the environment. How are they acting compassionately? What are the impacts they are making on their community?
- Write an letter to the individual or organization thanking them for that they do. Be sure to include what you learned and how they are making a difference.
- Send the letter (e-mail) to the individual or organization.
Resources:
- Here are a few organizations in Alberta that show compassion:
