Opening doors to empathy: Using picture books as pathways to compassion

Sensory figures are one strategy that can be implemented by teachers to cultivate and promote empathy with and for others. Teachers who implement picture book read alouds that include strong and well-developed characters promote sensory and evocative imagery through diverse texts and give students a pathway for understanding and building compassion for others. Many children’s books are designed specifically to promote empathy by exploring diverse perspectives, emotions, and experiences and, when coupled with the development of a sensory figure, actively engage students in stepping into the shoes/lives of another person/character. This teaching strategy provides teachers with a bridge to give students an entrance for exploring a more empathetic stance on the road to becoming a more informed global citizen.