Halloween no solo puede ser una fiesta divertida. También se puede convertir en una oportunidad pedagógica para enseñar valores tan esenciales como la empatía. Sin embargo, a menudo, en los colegios se limita a disfraces y dulces, olvidando el potencial educativo que tiene esta celebración para desarrollar la sensibilidad, el respeto y la cooperación entre los niños. Por tanto, ¿cómo se puede fomentar la empatía a través de las actividades de Halloween en la Educación?
WHEN EMPATHY BECOMES AN EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE
In a world where children grow up surrounded by digital stimuli and individualistic messages, learning to put themselves in the place of others is more important than ever.
A lack of empathy can lead to difficulties in coexistence, conflicts in the classroom or a lack of sensitivity to diversity. It is therefore the responsibility of schools to transform school holidays into moments of emotional and social learning.
LEARNING TO FEEL WITH OTHERS: THE TRUE SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN
“The highest form of knowledge is empathy”.
The key is to design activities that connect imagination with emotions.
So how can empathy be fostered through Halloween activities in education? Here are some of the most effective strategies, backed by experts in emotional pedagogy and applied at Casvi Villaviciosa International School:
1.- DRAMATISATIONS
The pupils play different characters, with different emotions and experiences. This allows them to understand other people’s emotions and to develop tolerance and respect.
2.- COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES
The best costume is not rewarded, but teamwork, mutual help and creativity are valued. In this way, they learn that collaboration is more important than competition.
3.- SOLIDARITY INITIATIVES
Collecting food, making toys or creating cards for other children turns the celebration into a real solidarity action, connecting fun with generosity.
4.- GUIDED REFLECTION
After each activity, promote dialogue: “How did you feel”, “What did you learn from your classmates? This reflection enhances emotional intelligence.
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER: GUIDING, INSPIRING AND ACCOMPANYING
What role do teachers play in promoting empathy during Halloween festivities?
Their role is crucial: they act as role models, guide participation and ensure that fun is accompanied by emotional learning. Through their example, pupils learn that empathy is also taught and practised every day.
How can you create an empathetic school environment during the Halloween season?
Decorating the classrooms together, choosing the themes of the costumes and encouraging inclusive participation.
In this way, each pupil feels that their opinion counts, strengthening their sense of belonging and community.
EDUCATING FROM THE HEART AND MIND: THE CASVI APPROACH
At Casvi Villaviciosa International School, all festivities are experienced through emotional education.
With the International Baccalaureate (IB) methodology, children learn from an early age to be supportive, open-minded and with integrity.
During Halloween, these skills are worked on transversally in the classroom and through artistic, theatrical or solidarity projects. In this way, children learn to live together and care for others. And not only that, empathy ceases to be an abstract concept and becomes a real and meaningful experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What pedagogical strategies are most effective in promoting empathy in students during Halloween?
Those that combine play, art and reflection: drama, solidarity projects and cooperative activities are the most effective.
What challenges can be faced when trying to promote empathy during Halloween in the educational environment?
The main challenge is to balance fun with emotional learning. However, with good planning and teacher support, the results are very positive.
What specific Halloween activities are most effective in fostering empathy in children?
Those involving collaboration and the expression of emotions: plays, collective stories or solidarity workshops.
How can cultural diversity be addressed through Halloween activities to promote empathy?
By incorporating traditions from different countries and explaining their origin, children learn to value diversity and intercultural respect.
How can promoting empathy contribute to a positive school climate during Halloween?
An environment where children learn to put themselves in the place of others generates respect, trust and well-being, fundamental pillars of learning.
