Empathy is so obvious and natural, I'm definitely thinking "Why didn't I think of that?"
Through Young Audiences of Maryland, I am visiting schools in Anne Arundel County to expand upon their "Be kind" program. This program repeatedly encourages students to:
-Treat others with respect and patience
-Use appropriate language
-Have an open mind and accept differences
-Solve problems in a calm and mature manner
This new spin off program is still STEAM powered, but highlighting the "how to touch" portion of the lesson. The method we use to touch the animals is based on how they interpret our actions. We cover many ideas like "How would an animal feel if a stranger poked it's face?" and even dive into specifics, like how a turtle can feel you touching its shell. It requires us to imagine we are small animals, with instincts fit for being at the bottom of the food chain and picturing how certain interactions would make us feel.
In detail, empathizing with animals teaches us to see from a perspective that does not match ours. Animals are diverse with a variety of needs and therefor points of view. For example, the chameleon feels safe by hiding in plain sight. Camille hates being in a confined space. As far as she's concerned, she's green + her plant is green = she's hidden and safe. Snakes on the other hand like to be in the tightest space possible. Some immediately call out "abuse" when they see my snake squeezed into a toilet paper tube, which is firmly wedged in a plastic container. But if it can feel the container (whether it be a rock in nature or a toilet paper tube in captivity) on all sides of its body, it cannot be surprised. As far as they're concerned, they've prevented another animal from sneaking up on it. Also, it means that in a bumpy car ride, they're not being flung around. Even in their big cages, I need to provide them lots of nooks and crannies for them to squeeze into.
How can this apply to every day life?
Think of an argument or disagreement you've had. We've all been guilty of preparing our own statements and rebuttals while the other person is still talking- at least once? Animals, however do not participate in dialogue. They communicate through body language, secreting odors and sometimes making noise, which forces us to listen to what they are saying instead of trying to sway them.
And who doesn't love a good listener?
The best part is how much fun the students have exploring their skills with animals. I love this new program so much, I could go on for 10 more paragraphs. However, I think I've hit the important points and I'd love to hear what you think! Comment below.
-Brittany
In detail, empathizing with animals teaches us to see from a perspective that does not match ours. Animals are diverse with a variety of needs and therefor points of view. For example, the chameleon feels safe by hiding in plain sight. Camille hates being in a confined space. As far as she's concerned, she's green + her plant is green = she's hidden and safe. Snakes on the other hand like to be in the tightest space possible. Some immediately call out "abuse" when they see my snake squeezed into a toilet paper tube, which is firmly wedged in a plastic container. But if it can feel the container (whether it be a rock in nature or a toilet paper tube in captivity) on all sides of its body, it cannot be surprised. As far as they're concerned, they've prevented another animal from sneaking up on it. Also, it means that in a bumpy car ride, they're not being flung around. Even in their big cages, I need to provide them lots of nooks and crannies for them to squeeze into.
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| More snakes in tubes here |
Think of an argument or disagreement you've had. We've all been guilty of preparing our own statements and rebuttals while the other person is still talking- at least once? Animals, however do not participate in dialogue. They communicate through body language, secreting odors and sometimes making noise, which forces us to listen to what they are saying instead of trying to sway them.
And who doesn't love a good listener?
The best part is how much fun the students have exploring their skills with animals. I love this new program so much, I could go on for 10 more paragraphs. However, I think I've hit the important points and I'd love to hear what you think! Comment below.
-Brittany
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