Bringing The Nora Project To Your Dinner Table - Part 1
We often hear that childrens’ moral learning begins at home. But, for so many of us, where to start and what to do to teach these concepts feels altogether overwhelming. The Nora Project provides curriculums for students in preschool through high school that address empathy, friendship, diversity, disability awareness, and inclusion--topics many of us adults never received formal education on growing up. At The Nora Project, we know that when this learning is extended beyond the four walls of our classrooms and into our students’ homes, it leaves a deeper, more lasting impact. In that spirit, we’ve created The Nora Project Table Topics Game, to bring The Nora Project to your dinner table (or den or car), making family time more meaningful for everyone.
Each month for the next few months we will reveal a new set of Table Topics that are aligned with the values incorporated in our classroom programs. When each set of cards is released, we’ll include a blog post about why the topics are important and some tips and tricks on how to use them with your family.
Rectangular card with dark blue and light blue background with heading of Table Topics. The main question on the card reads “Take turns sharing the different emotions you felt over the course of your day”.
This month, our first set of cards is intended to help children develop emotional literacy. Emotional literacy can loosely be defined as the ability to “read” emotions in oneself and others. If children are able to “tune-in” to their emotions, they will be better equipped to handle strong feelings and make appropriate choices while they and others are experiencing big emotions. According to Dr. Michelle Borba, author of the bestselling parenting book Unselfie, “Emotional literacy is key to unlocking empathy. Before you can empathize, you have to be able to read someone else’s, or your own, emotions so you can tune in to their feelings...Emotional literacy is what motivates a child to care, and it all starts by tuning in to feelings. Identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions are the skills kids need to activate empathy.”
No matter what age your child is, it is crucial that they are able to tap into their own emotions and feelings. Even adults sometimes struggle to express their feelings or handle strong emotions, which is why this first set of Table Topics is a perfect place to start for the entire family. Consider using these questions during a time you’re gathered as a family, such as around the dinner table, while in the car, or anywhere else you find yourselves together. You can ask one question per night or several at a time. Regardless of how you use them, these cards will create rich discussion for the whole family!