Tolerance and Empathy in Today′s Classroom is an activity-based teacher′s guide to fostering positive group interaction through imagined experience and discussion for children aged 9 to 14.

In a series of interactive workshops, each one providing a context, a scenario and a list of characters, pupils are invited to engage in discussion, debate and negotiation to solve problems and meet challenges.

The primary focus is the promotion of tolerance, empathy and co-operation, as prescribed in the non-statutory framework for PSHE and Citizenship. Key transferable skills in oracy, enquiry and problem-solving are introduced and practised through each role-play, with specific links to the National Curriculum attainment targets for speaking and listening, and suggestions for extensive cross-curricular work.

Andrew Hammond is Head of English and KS2 Coordinator at St Andrew′s School, Woking.