When wildfires forced evacuations across Saskatchewan this year, a Roots of Empathy program was left unfinished. Schools closed, families were displaced, and it seemed like the program would end without closure. But sometimes, the most important lessons come from not giving up.
Observing Temperament and Building Emotional Understanding
Earlier in the program, students had the opportunity to witness their ‘Tiny Teacher’ Baby Brynn’s temperament. During a visit focused on “First Approach,” Baby Brynn tried lemons for the first time. While many babies pull back from the sour taste, she surprised everyone asking for more and cried when the lemons were taken away. Students watched her facial expressions and body language, learning to read emotions without words. They discussed how we all react differently to new experiences and how we express our feelings.
Both of Baby Brynn’s parents, Michelle and Brent, participated in the visits, offering students a meaningful example of empathic parenting. As the class observed how each parent tuned in to Baby Brynn’s needs, they were witnessing the attachment relationship in real time – how babies thrive when they feel safe, loved, and understood. Brent’s presence also gave students a powerful example of an empathic father—offering a meaningful alternative to the often toxic male role models they may encounter in social media.
Wildfire Evacuations Interrupt the School Year
Shortly after, wildfires in the area forced emergency evacuations. The school was closed, homes were lost, and the community faced devastating upheaval. Our hearts are with all those affected.
At that point, it was uncertain whether the program could continue. The final theme, which encourages students to reflect on their learning, had not yet been delivered. With the school year disrupted and families displaced, the program was considered complete.
A Return to the Classroom
Weeks later, Roots of Empathy Instructor Crystal shared that the community had been allowed to return. While the devastation was painful to see, the school building was still intact. She returned to deliver the final theme. The class was much smaller now but the conversations were no less meaningful.
“One student in the ROE class lost their home,” Crystal said. “We had a good talk about what they learned in ROE this year. They talked about feeling sad about the evacuation, but happy to still have a place to live. It was a very meaningful conversation.” One student did a heartwarming drawing about “feeling two ways”.
Feeling both sadness and gratitude, fear and relief, is part of the human experience. Recognizing and expressing all these emotions is a key aspect of emotional literacy.
The Lasting Impact
Even though the school year didn’t unfold as expected, the students’ ability to engage in meaningful conversations about their feelings and to support one another showed the strength of what they had learned. The continued participation of the volunteer family and Crystal’s commitment to seeing the program through made it possible for students to reflect and close their Roots of Empathy experience, even in extraordinary circumstances.
A Reminder of Why Empathy Matters
Whether children are affected directly by local events or indirectly through what they hear in the news, the resulting stress and anxiety highlight just how vital it is to support their mental health and resilience. Roots of Empathy provides children with tools to understand their emotions and those of others, helping them feel more connected and supported, especially during uncertain times.
We are grateful to ROE Instructor Crystal, Baby Brynn’s family, and the students who took part in the program this year. We also extend our sincere thanks to Classroom Teacher Amanda and Gordon Denny Community School for their support in welcoming Crystal back to complete the final theme after the evacuation. Roots of Empathy has been part of this school community for twelve years, and that continued commitment, especially in challenging times makes the program possible.
Their experience is a powerful reminder that empathy matters just as much, if not more, in times of uncertainty. It’s a strength we carry with us, especially when we need it most.