Jamison Elementary Fifth Grade Teacher Provides a Window for Students to See the Importance of Compassion

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Jared Hottenstein’s annual fifth grade field trips don’t go very far geographically. In fact, the Jamison Elementary students traveled just about a block. But in terms of building compassion, the outing covered great distance, as reported by Beccah Henderson at 6abc.

Hottenstein didn’t let the pandemic interfere with the yearly trek to the Bridges of Warwick senior living community. He merely revised the interaction. The fifth graders remained safely outside this year and drew hearts on the sidewalk outside.

The residents watched from behind a massive window. “Oh, they all have hearts!” observed resident Marge Manly, observing the emerging artwork.

“All these social, emotional learning lessons that we teach at school, it’s played out when kids are thrown into uncomfortable situations like trying to dialogue and interact with someone who’s older,” said Hottenstein.

“You think about the residents here, they didn’t have any interaction through COVID,” he said. “If we could just put a smile on their face, it’s all worth it.”

The residents were gladdened; the kids had fun; and Hottenstein himself came away with an insight.

“I think it’s rejuvenated me as a teacher,” he said. “It kind of reminds you about what’s really important in education. It’s teaching kids how to build connections and forge connections with people who are different.”

More on this Jamison Elementary field trip, a truly heartfelt Valentine’s-themed outing, is at 6abc.

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