The primary goal of this workshop is to explore the meaning of empathy and the importance of helping young children to develop it: what it is and why it matters. We will introduce an internationally acclaimed program: "Roots of Empathy" (Mary Gordon) and explore its effectiveness in promoting children's emotional and social competence. We will look at the major philosophical and educational components of the program and explore strategies that can be implemented by parents, caregivers and teachers. Planting the seeds and nurturing the roots of empathy early in the life of a child may contribute to their development into …