[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I grew up with working parents,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and their schedules didn’t always align-
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so my brother and I would spend \Nafternoons and summer days
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,at my grandparents’ house.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This was a place where we were sure to put\Nthings back where we found them
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and learned not to leave things \Nout on the floor.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Not because my grandparents were strict.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But, you see, my grandmother, Josie,\Nwas blind.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She knew where items were kept,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the pattern of where furniture \Nwas placed in the house.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If we messed with that order it could \Ncause frustration, confusion,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or even physical harm.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I remember as a kid trying to understand\Nwhat it was like to navigate spaces
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without my sense of sight.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I would close my eyes real tight,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,trying to remember the way that my\Ngrandparents’ living room looked–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as I timidly walked with my hands \Noutstretched in front of me–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I ran into a chair, then a lamp, \Nthen the wall.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was in that moment that \NI was in awe of her.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On the occasion that we would be spending\Nour entire day with our grandparents,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we would bring our VHS tapes over to \Ntheir house,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you know pre-DVD or streaming services.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many, if not all, of those tapes were \Nfrom Disney movies–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because we were American children \Nof the late 80s early 90s.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We would sit on the carpet staring up\Nat the large TV
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,housed in an even larger \Nentertainment center.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In between preparing meals,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,my grandmother would walk in and sit down\Nin her recliner to join us.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She would say “tell me about your stories”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,referencing the action taking place \Non the screen.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The movie Aladdin was one of our favorites\Nto enjoy together.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I would explain the desert backgrounds,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the clothing on the characters, \Nthe expressions on their faces.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I can recall her smile as I described a \N“whole new world”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and a magic carpet ride \Nthrough the clouds.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I wanted her to feel included, \Nto be a part of what we were watching.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These actions of inclusion were a \Nresponse to my feelings of empathy.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had a unique childhood where I was \Nlearning about empathy
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,through my relationship with my\Ngrandmother…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,through our watching of Disney movies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Looking back, these experiences have \Nforged who I am as a person
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the way that I navigate relationships.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But not everyone has had an experience \Nlike that.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I believe it is important and crucial\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that we provide opportunities for our\Nchildren to experience relationships
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that foster empathetic connections.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now as a quick aside, I know that the word\Nempathy comes with its own baggage.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe it is a word that in your circles \Nhas been thrown around with such carelessness
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that you are sick of the word,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or perhaps it has even lost its meaning\Naltogether.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Or, perhaps you have heard it said that\Nempathy is a “soft skill”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that needs to be shared with our children.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I attest there is nothing “soft” or mooshy\Nabout it,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but yet it is an important and essential\Nskill to be honed
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as we learn what it means to be human.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As an elementary art educator
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I teach about artists, cultures, \Nand the purposeful use of art materials.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I also see it as my role to educate my\Nstudents about character education,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and specifically empathy.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But how do we often define empathy?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I am sure you have even used the age-old,\Nwell…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Walk in someone else’s shoes.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sure that works as a metaphor,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but now I want you to put yourself in the\Nmind of a kindergartner.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A kindergartner that might ask,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“wait.. Why am I putting on someone else’s\Nhoes!?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That is weird to them,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they don’t understand the language we are\Nusing in our discussions
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of this important topic.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And even a simplified definition such as
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“understanding and sharing the feelings of\Nothers”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is pretty hard to internalize \Nas a 5 year old.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So intentional discussions about \Npractical, observable behavior is needed.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,How do I show empathy in a classroom, \Nwith my neighbors at the park,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to my grandmother,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with someone that looks\Ndifferently than me,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,someone that acts differently than me…?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A year ago, I was discussing character \Neducation with my colleagues at school.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We were working on developing a new \Nschool-wide curriculum,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we went round and round \Nabout definitions and explanations.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One summer night, it hit those of us \Nin the room–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the root of empathy lies in awareness.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Awareness: “noticing what is happening in\Nand around you
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that you can make a choice.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This noticing can lead to taking an \Naction, having an empathetic response.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But we first need to start by having an\Nawareness of ourselves.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I am the grocery shopper in my family,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I take my list and enjoy the thrill of the\Nhunt as I try and stay below budget.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One week I was informed we needed new\Nnapkins.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I happened upon these \Nillustrated beauties.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They were conversational napkins \Nfor the family.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We got a real kick out of the answers \Nas we went around the table.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But they made me think more intentionally\Nabout a teachable moment
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I could have with my own family.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Can we identify our own feelings?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is pretty easy to say I am happy, \Nor I am sad.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But can we identify our feelings and then\Nwe explain why we feel that way?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,With my five-year old I have gotten into\Nthe practice of asking her at dinner
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to tell me about her day in this way:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I say “Tell me about a part of your day\Nwhere you were proud.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Tell me about a part of your day \Nthat you were frustrated.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Tell me about a part of your day \Nwhen you felt excited.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On different nights I may come up with a\Ndifferent feeling, a different emotion.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Of course I am sure to share with her \Nmy own feelings about the day as well.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I too, as the adult, had moments where I\Nfelt scared, or nervous, or really excited.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She is quick, man she is quick.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes she will answer with “I didn’t\Nfeel sad,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but my friend Ellie was sad when she \Ndidn’t get a chance to play with the magnatiles.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,See without even direct questioning,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she refers to her friend \Nand their feelings.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These observed behaviors and feelings have\Nbecome part of her existence as a friend.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Which has brought us to… \Nan awareness of others.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had been teaching a unit on architecture\Nto my fourth grade students
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had several fourth graders come to class\Nasking lots of questions
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about the natural disaster and its effects\Non the buildings there.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They had an awareness of the news and even\Nif they didn’t fully understand current events,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they had some notion that what was \Nhappening was not good.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We talked about living in Houston through\Nthis hurricane
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how it would affect the lives of the \Npeople there.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But it was when we started to discuss\Nthe art rooms of the students in Houston,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it began to resonate \Nwith the entire class.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We were sitting in our art room,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,talking about an art room on the other \Nside of the country.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They were able to see themselves \Nin the room with these other students.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I sat back and listened as they processed\Nwhat would happen to art supplies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and furniture that had been affected \Nby the elements.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,From these powerful conversations I wanted\Nto provide my students with an opportunity
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to artistically respond to the \Ndiscussions we had been having.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, during class I shared the work of \Ntwo artists
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with polka dot covered items, rooms, \Nand even actual houses.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And from these explorations we built this\N5 foot tall house (polka dot house).
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But there is more here than just \Nplayful polka dots–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,each of the dots represents an art supply
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that a fourth grade student donated\Nto a school in Houston.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Through their art-making,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,my students were able to make a connection
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with students on the other \Nside of the country.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Notice they didn’t collect and donate food\Nor health supplies–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but art supplies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It had become personal for them.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our art room is seen as a safe place where\Nthey are encouraged to express themselves,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,be challenged, learn about the world–
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,all while having fun.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The fact that students in Houston would be\Nmissing out on these opportunities
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,really resonated with.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is an example of how that sense of\Nawareness, a noticing,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,led to actions of practical practice...\Nactions of empathy.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I believe that by engaging in \Nrelationships with others
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we are able to step outside of ourselves \Nand make a positive impact for others.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I no longer watch Disney movies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sitting on the floor in front of my\Ngrandmother Josie,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,those days are long gone.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I sit on the floor next to my\N5 year old daughter, named Josie.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We watch as Aladdin and Jasmine take \Nflight on the magic carpet.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There is a moment when the carpet \Ntakes a deep dive
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and Princess Jasmine braces \Nherself by covering her eyes in fear.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As she does so on the screen, \Nso does my daughter.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She is empathetic for this animated \Nprincess,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,experiencing fear along with her.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s then that Aladdin responds \Nto Jasmine saying
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Don’t you dare close your eyes” and pulls\Nher hands from her face,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to open her eyes to the experiences \Naround her.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And as he does so, I too pull my \Ndaughter’s fingers from her eyes.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,May we open our children’s eyes to the \Nworld around them
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to engage them in thoughts, actions, and\Nrelationships
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that get them to not only “walk in someone\Nelse’s shoes”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but to live lives that consider others\Nmore than themselves.