Teaching Empathy and Kindness in the Early Years

When you picture the most important lessons your child will learn in preschool, ABCs and 123s might come to mind. But at Little Steps Preschool, we know that the foundation for a lifetime of success isn’t just academic—it’s social and emotional. Two of the most important skills we help children build are empathy and kindness.

Why Start Early?

Children are naturally curious about others, but empathy—the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings—doesn’t develop overnight. Preschool is a key time to help children practice noticing how others feel, expressing care, and solving problems in compassionate ways.

Kindness, too, is a learned behavior. When young children see kindness in action and have chances to practice it themselves, it becomes part of who they are.

How We Teach Empathy and Kindness at Little Steps

Our classrooms use the HighScope® curriculum, which emphasizes active learning, intentional teaching, and social problem-solving. Here’s how we bring empathy and kindness into daily routines:

• Modeling behavior – Teachers consistently demonstrate respectful communication, gentle problem-solving, and caring interactions, giving children real-life examples to follow.

• Acknowledging feelings – We help children name their emotions and notice the emotions of others, a key step toward empathy.

• Guided social problem-solving – When disagreements happen, teachers guide children through steps like identifying the problem, listening to each other, and finding a fair solution.

• Opportunities to help – From setting the table for snack to comforting a friend, children practice kindness through meaningful actions.

The Lasting Impact

Children who learn empathy and kindness early tend to form stronger friendships, handle conflicts more effectively, and grow into more caring adults. It’s a gift that benefits them for life—and it starts in the classroom.

At Little Steps Preschool, our teachers weave social-emotional learning into every part of the day. Using the HighScope approach, we model kindness, guide problem-solving, and help children practice empathy in real time. If you want your child to grow not only in academics but also in compassion, schedule a tour today and see our classrooms in action.