``공감의 뿌리`` 프로그램의 유치원 적용을 위한 기초연구 = A Fundamental Study on the Application of the ``Roots of Empathy`` Program to Kindergartens

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The purpose of this research is based on Canada`s Mary Gordon`s Roots of Empathy. The focus is to evaluate and apply the process towards understanding relationships and emotions, and to pursue the enhancement of the capability for empathy within the emotional discourse between babies and mothers, as well as teachers and young children. This will be done through the development and exemplary application of the Roots of Empathy programs that will be applied to Korean kindergartens. For the research aspect of this study, 10 children before the age of 4 in whole day programs, along with their parents, 8-9 months old infants and their mothers in a public kindergarten located in Susan participated in this program during two months. The ``root of empathy`` program is classified into 4 categories; meeting, understanding, loving and sharing, in accordance with the basic direction of selected contents. The final plan of the program was made by adding and modifying the contents of understanding self emotion, understanding other`s emotions, caring and regarding, along with cooperation and communication based on the original program. From the result of the test practice, through the class meeting during the ``root of empathy`` program, infants learned to express emotions while getting closer and extending their hands to the other children, and the mothers of infants could feel the sense of freedom from raising their children and a sense of belonging to a community. At the same time, the mothers were able to express their love and affection toward their babies, Also, the infants and children had the experience to be acquainted with the ability to empathize with the self and the emotions of others. They also experienced care, and finally learned how to cooperate and communicate with others. Therefore, the ``root of empathy`` program has an important meaning in that it can provide an empathy education that would help children, infants and mothers to understand each other`s emotions through an exchange of interactions.