Empathy in Action: How Third Graders Are Learning to Live Beyond Differences

At Pershing Elementary School in Orangevale, a remarkable program is turning standard classroom lessons into powerful experiences. A Touch of Understanding, a nonprofit dedicated to disability awareness, recently rolled out hands-on workshops for third graders that teach critical lessons about empathy and inclusion. Think of it as a field trip to understand the challenges that some of their peers face every day.

During the workshop, students got to use various mobility devices like wheelchairs and canes, giving them a glimpse into a world that’s often overlooked. With volunteers—some of whom have personal experience with disabilities—guiding the way, kids learned not just the tools, but what it feels like to navigate with them. It was all about building connections and understanding, which is every bit as important as math and reading.

Principal Kendra Shelton expressed pride in the partnership with the Parent Teacher Organization, which helps fund these invaluable lessons. The idea is to foster a community of kindness that encourages students to return to class with fresh ideas on how to be more inclusive and supportive. It’s about creating little ambassadors of empathy who recognize that respect and acceptance come in all shapes, sizes, races, and religions.

So the next time you witness a child helping a friend in need, keep in mind that they might just be channeling the lessons learned from a simple, eye-opening workshop. Because sometimes, the most valuable lessons come not from textbooks, but from real-life experiences that shape our perspectives for years to come.