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Character Development |
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When the child walks into our primary classroom, it is probably the very first time he/she will be separated from close family for any length time. The exercises of practical life is a good place for character development to start, these simple exercises satisfy a need in the very young child, and get the child involved in an activity that is easy to do. The child learns patience, and consideration for others as the number of exercises on the shelf are limited and each child needs to wait his turn. For the first time the child is made aware of the need to wait for something. Another aid to character development is the freedom of choice, and freedom to repeat an activity, because this freedom comes with responsibility. Responsibility to respect the rights of other children to do the same work and repeat it as often as they want to. The grace and courtesy exercises give the child the rules of the society he lives in. Story time is another opportunity for instilling positive character traits; children listen to stories with a moral, example The Ugly Duckling teaches a child not to judge people by how they look on the outside. The story of Cinderella impresses on them the futility of false pride. The child’s energy is always channeled into work that is easy to do, at the same time building concentration. The exercises are not called lessons, rather they are referred to as the “child’s work”, because that is exactly what the child is doing, working towards taking his /her place in the world. The child is involved not in just busy work, but work that aids development. A happy content child has no need or time for tantrums. At Arborland each child is treated as a special individual with respect, This in turn teaches the child respect for others. The older children are given the opportunity to help the younger children which fosters a sense of responsibility in the older child. Instilling positive character traits starts at Arborland the very first day and continues all the time the child remains with us.
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