Mary Gordon, who founded the international Roots of Empathy program, will discuss how to cultivate emotional literacy in children at three free events next week on Oahu and Maui.

Roots of Empathy, founded in Toronto and now active in 13 countries, helps schoolchildren learn to empathize with a baby during its first year of growth, with regular visits to the classroom. Research shows that the curriculum fosters positive behavior and kindness while reducing bullying and aggression.

“Mary will be in Hawaii celebrating the baby ‘teachers’ finishing their year in 25 elementary classrooms in 14 schools in Hawaii this year,” said Barbara Morgan, Hawaii program manager. “We are incredibly fortunate that she has agreed to three free, public events in support of Hawaii’s parents and schools in their efforts to raise thoughtful, caring, resilient keiki.”

The schedule is as follows:

>>Monday, 6-8 p.m. with Q&A, Mary, Star of the Sea School, 4469 Malia St. RSVP to lbloom@rootsofempathy.org.

>>Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. with Q&A, Montessori School of Maui, 2933 Baldwin Ave., Makawao. RSVP to info@momi.org with the number of attendees.

>>Friday, May 3, 8:30-10 a.m. with Q&A, Honolulu Waldorf School, 350 Ulua St. RSVP (808) 377-5481 or online.