ABSTRACT
Pink argues that empathy is far more vital than merely the ability to feel and understand what someone else is feeling. Empathy and caring are also central to social responsibility, citizenship, and democracy. Most of the students behaved wonderfully, but four boys in the class presented a challenge. To discourage students from getting pregnant, Norma’s school uses a common technique of requiring students to take turns caring for a doll that mimics a newborn’s behaviors. Students who read aloud their response to the first question did not think they had any responsibility to help Norma. Good journal writing and the discussion that follows it open unknown avenues for exploration. With more time to devote to the unit, the people would have explored these ideas and emotions in greater depth, having the kids relate them to their own lives.
