Reading Fiction Facilitates Empathy

Identifying with the characters in fiction can help children learn empathy. A study by Raymond Mar, a psychologist at York University, presented at the American Psychological Association's 122nd Annual convention this past August, confirmed what teachers at Abington Friends know and practice. When children identify with characters in fiction, they can learn to appreciate and understand not only their own emotions and beliefs but that others might have differing emotions and belief. The link at the bottom of this blog includes the article written in the September 8th issue of Education Week Teacher, for those that would like to read further about the study.

Deep conversations about characters in fiction books have been happening throughout Lower School. As teachers read aloud books, and children delve into their own reading, understanding the motivations, personality, and differences of characters, is shaped through discussion and investigation. A variety of picture books in first grade have encouraged this discussion. It is clear that as students share their reactions to the characters in books such as Amazing Grace, Whistle for Willie, Leo the Late Bloomer, Jamaica's Find and Who Wants Arthur, that the ability to connect with characters and understand and appreciate the differences of others is being facilitated in meaningful ways.  After listening to stories read aloud, first graders delved into their own picture books in order to practice strategies to understand characters and stories.

Similar discussions are being held in response to fiction in every classroom in our school. Further blog entries during the year will share how deeply students think about character and continue to deepen their ability to understand and connect with others- to develop empathy.


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