Empathy and Art
Encourage empathetic behavior through creative art expression

Introduction
In the Maya & Miguel episode “When Maya Met Andy,” Miguel recalls a time when a new and “different” kid (Andy) moved into the neighborhood. Maya, eager to make Andy feel comfortable in their group, tries to steer the boys to stay away from playing sports. She assumes that Andy won’t be able to participate because he is missing an arm. In the end, Maya learns that true sensitivity means treating others as equals.

In this activity, your child will express empathy and share thoughts about being around someone who has a disability. Experiencing and understanding empathy in an age-appropriate way will be explored through art.

Materials:

• water-based paints
• paintbrushes
• large paper
• easel or space where paper can be tacked up
• apron or old shirt
• drop cloth to protect your surroundings.

Directions: Invite your child to make connections with Andy’s physical handicap and other handicapping conditions by following these ideas to create original art expressions:

• Using one hand ONLY, paint sports equipment/objects: basketball, soccer ball, football, baseball and bat, sports clothing, etc.
• Take turns painting the same object blindfolded.
• Paint holding the brush between your teeth, then between two toes

Note: Don’t hesitate to personalize this activity. For example, if music interests your child more than sports, paint musical instruments!

Talk About It: Invite your child to think of ways to reach out to help someone else feel accepted, especially if he/she are new in the neighborhood or have a disability. Encourage your child to express thoughts in English, Spanish or your own native language. Provide fun activities like cooking cultural recipes, drawing or playing favorite games.

Take It Further:

• Read these inspiring books for more understanding of children with disabilities:
  • Zoom! by Robert Munsch (Ages 4-8)
  • Someone Special, Just Like You by Tricia Brown (Ages 5-8)
• Discover more about the game of basketball:
  • Did you know that the Olmecs (Mexico) are known for inventing the game of basketball about 3,000 years ago? They used extract from rubber trees they grew to make a hand-sized bouncing ball. There have been over 600 basketball courts unearthed in Mexico, and it is believed that there are many others waiting to be discovered!

With a Group: Help your child learn more about empathy by watching the video/film version of The Secret Garden (adapted from the book written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, published in 1911). This story tells the tale of an orphaned girl, Mary Lennox, sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor in England with her invalid cousin after the abrupt death of her parents in India. Mary’s arrival and presence upsets her cousin, uncle and the entire manor staff. However, through her stubbornness and determination to explore the manor’s locked secret garden, she inspires Colin to walk again and brings happiness to everyone around her.