Educational resources to support our youngest learners, from birth to five

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December, 2025

Wishing You a Peaceful Season

We're continuing our series for busy ECE professionals and know that this month may be the busiest of the year. It's easy to get caught up in the hecticness of the season, but it's a great time to practice caring for others. As you model empathy for others, children will follow your lead.

We've compiled a pocketful of resources that are easy to check out with your time limitations in mind.

Have 2 minutes?
Take-Home Strategy

Check out our Take-Home Strategy page about Empathy that's full of activities to try this month. And offer it to families who want at-home ideas for over the winter break. 

Have 5 minutes?
Classroom Videos and Activity Cards

See videos that illustrate Empathy in action, and check out the Activity Cards on the pages as well for some great, quick ideas this season.

Have 15 minutes?
Book Recommendations

Visit our virtual bookshelf to see our recommendations for books that emphasize perspective-taking for young children.

Have 30 minutes?
Article and Guide

The blog "Modeling Empathy" is a great introduction to empathy for everyone, including families. Check out our guiding questions about it to reflect on this important skill.

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About Us

In partnership with VDOE Office of Early Childhood, the University of Virginia’s Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) provides free resources you can use to foster children's development and learning.

The ECE Resource Hub is created by the Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at the University of Virginia with funding from the Virginia Department of Education.