Lake Anne Elementary promotes empathy through ‘Walk in My Shoes’ program
by Holly Weatherwax, staff writer
The “Walk in My Shoes” program helps Lake Anne students understand the challenges others face and learn ways to be more inclusive.
On Sept. 25, the school held three assemblies for grades four through six. Students were assigned numbers from one to six and placed in groups with classmates across their grade level. Teachers participated to familiarize themselves with the lessons. Each student received a “passport” and earned stickers for completing each station.
This year’s program focused on six challenges: movement disorders, vision impairment, asthma, dyslexia, sensory sensitivities and color vision differences. Students spent eight minutes at each station in what the program calls an “empathy muscle-building circuit.”
At the color vision differences station, students received a stuffed bear and clothes. They were asked to dress the bear in specific colors, but all the items were black and white.
At the asthma station, students paired up to plan a playdate, choosing activities such as playing soccer on a grassy field or sledding in cold weather. They then learned about their friend’s asthma triggers, which could include exercise, cold weather or grass pollen. The pairs discussed whether they could follow their original plan safely or adapt it so their friend could participate.
These hands-on activities help students understand how everyday situations can challenge others and how small changes can make activities more inclusive. Parent volunteer Dana Yasek said the stations connected to students’ daily lives, sparking thoughtful conversations and teaching them ways to include their friends.
The final two minutes at each station focused on how students could apply what they learned to include classmates facing similar challenges.
Lake Anne is offering the program for the second year, using an assembly format. Other schools have incorporated it into classroom instruction or counselor meetings.
Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Margaret Behrns, who serves as president and program director. She began developing the program while volunteering at Floris Elementary School, where she ran it for 10 years. Behrns recognized the need for empathy education and found support for the concept in Michele Borba’s book “UnSelfie.”
“In today’s world, empathy equals success, and it’s what I call the Empathy Advantage that will give our children the edge they need to live meaningful, productive and happy lives and thrive in a complex new world,” Borba said.
The program has been used at schools in Fairfax County and beyond. WIMS brought it to Lake Anne through a grant for Title I schools, with support from former PTA President and current Vice President Rebecca Samba and parent volunteer Dana Yasek.
WIMS has another grant available this school year for an additional Title I school. For more information, visit www.walkinmyshoesprogram.com/ or email walkinmyshoesprogram@gmail.com to inquire about the grant.
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