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I enjoy reading more now we’ve been learning about what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. Year 5 pupil, Golden Grove Community School |
As a society, we’re facing huge challenges in helping children to enjoy reading. Recent National Literacy Trust research has found that only 34% of children enjoy reading in their free time.
At EmpathyLab we believe that the emerging book-based UK empathy movement offers something new and hopeful in this alarming scenario. Since we began in 2015, we’ve been fascinated by scientific research showing that reading builds empathy. Neuroscientists and psychologists are building a body of research which shows that identifying with book characters’ feelings can build real-life empathy. And we’re finding that an empathy focus improves reading for pleasure.
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The empathy emphasis has completely changed the atmosphere around reading. There has been a cultural shift in staff’s own reading, and in the way pupils are engaging with reading – so much more positive. Deputy Head, Milford Haven School
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Our strategy is also based on scientific research showing that empathy is a skill, not a trait. Excitingly, it’s learnable - only 10% of the variation in people’s levels of empathy can be explained by genes[i].
EmpathyLab’s action research in schools is finding that a book-based empathy pedagogy can have a profound effect on pupils’ enjoyment of reading. A whole school approach to learning about empathy provides a new lens through which to read. We’re learning all the time about what works:
· We use the research to guide teachers in focusing more on characters and feelings than plot. This increases pupils’ emotional connection with the text and enriches their experience of the narrative.
· Teachers aim to understand children’s reading experiences as part of a sharper focus on empathy towards the whole child. The resulting book talk goes deeper, and enhances enjoyment of reading,
· The pedagogy prioritises books that inspire child-led social action. Themes such as refugees or poverty help children see a purpose to their reading. Some children are especially inspired by concrete follow-on opportunities to put empathy into action.
· Teachers are supported make brave choices, and use very diverse, contemporary books, based on EmpathyLab’s criteria for empathy-rich texts. Our annual Read for Empathy collections are widely used; they are selected by expert judges including Professor Teresa Cremin. This builds a creative bridge between fiction and real world and so makes reading meaningful for children
· Training encourages teachers to read aloud regularly, including at secondary level. This is a “double win” as it overcomes problems of low literacy and simultaneously creates opportunities for empathetic communication and insights. Children enjoy being part of a community of readers.
· We encourage the use of empathy-rich picture books at all levels, including secondary. Their accessibility and emotional impact increases enjoyment of reading.
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I find empathy in books really interesting, as I didn’t used to think about how people were feeling, I just used to read. Now I feel a lot more imaginative, it gives the story more background about what might have happened and why. Year 6 pupil, Moorlands Primary Academy |
Please join in!
We have developed several practical tools, which help harness empathy strategies to increase reading for pleasure . Join our newsletter to keep in touch.
· 2025 Read for Empathy collection: we curate an annual collection of 70 books for 3-16 year olds. Chosen by an expert panel, each books is chosen to support a specific aspect of empathy-building. The 2025 collection is launched on 13 February.
· Empathy Day: every June we run a massive nationwide event, focused on using books and inspiring experiences with authors and illustrators. For 2025, this is being expanded into a 10 day Empathy Day Festival. You can register for free resources from 13 February.
· Short training courses: we offer a range of inspiring online 90 minute courses, supporting work to develop reading for empathy
· A children’s handbook: We’ve Got This takes children through 6 steps to build their empathy superpower.
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Books that make you feel empathy change you. They really actually change you. Year 5 pupil, Moorlands Primary Academy |
References
[i] Warrier, V., Toro, R., Chakrabarti, B. et al. Genome-wide analyses of self-reported empathy: correlations with autism, schizophrenia, and anorexia nervosa. Transl Psychiatry 8, 35 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-017-0082-6