“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’”
Brené Brown
Relationships are a key driver of belonging in the classroom. When children feel connected to their peers, they are more engaged in their learning and better equipped to thrive.
Last month’s newsletter explored the power of windows and mirrors—intentionally diversifying our perspectives to increase empathy and understanding. This month, we’re turning inward. How can we show up better in our existing relationships? How can we build friendships across differences with more bravery, vulnerability, and care?
Scroll for resources to help children develop meaningful relationships across differences—so that every learner feels seen, understood, and valued.
When entering a classroom, children often ask themselves,
AmazeWorks transforms classroom cultures so that every child can answer with a resounding YES. Our Classroom Dynamics™ program is one of the ways we make this transformation happen.
Classroom Dynamics™ helps teachers understand the social relationships in their classrooms from the students’ perspectives. Through a simple survey, children identify friendships, isolation, teasing behavior, and more. This data generates a sociogram—a visual map of classroom connections—that gives educators powerful insights into the social fabric of their learning environment.
This data has the power to transform classrooms so that all children can thrive. Research shows that student connectedness improves both behavior and academic performance. Classroom Dynamics™ gives teachers to power to identify and address social isolation to create classroom cultures of belonging.
What strategies do you use for relationship building in your classroom or home? 
An ally makes the commitment to recognize their privilege and work alongside marginalized groups to create change.
Meaningful friendships require support, empathy, and investment in one another’s belonging. One way to strengthen relationships across differences is through allyship—fighting for each other’s safety, dignity, and belonging.
Our middle school lesson (valuable to all ages!) encourages people to reflect on what it means to show up for others experiencing bias, prejudice, or discrimination.
Discussion questions include:
Our relationships to differences develop over the course of a lifetime, influenced by early life experiences, relationships, media and news, and more. We form countless biases without our awareness or control. Taking time to look inward and unpack our experiences gives us power to notice the ways bias shows up in our day-to-day lives.
Try these journal prompts to engage in deeper self-reflection on your relationship to differences. We invite you to explore these questions without judgment. Set a goal to gather information that helps you show up better in your relationships—both in your inner circles and wider communities.
Journal Prompts:
Children (and adults) learn best through familiar, relatable experiences. This creates a challenge when exploring less tangible differences, such as culture, family structure, or religion.
Persona Dolls help children explore these differences with empathy and curiosity. By sharing their own stories, the dolls invite children to ask questions, make connections, and build empathy—without making their peers feel singled out or on display.
Sam’s book set is coming out just in time for Passover, which Sam celebrates with their family. This book set helps children understand religious and cultural identities with care and respect, strengthening empathy and connection across differences.
Plus, Persona Doll relationships start long before they enter the classroom. Read this article to learn about the family behind the dolls and the heart they sew into each one.
You’re invited!
AmazeWorks is launching The Flip Side by Jason Walz, a young adult graphic novel in which Theo’s world turns upside down—literally. In this flipped world, Theo forms a friendship that empowers him to take steps toward survival in the midst of grief and depression.
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Fresh Eye GalleryThe Flip Side personifies grief and depression, highlighting the power of friendships to navigate our scariest feelings. Join us as we welcome a book that tackles mental health and wellness in a way that will resonate with preteens and adults alike.
