Introducing the concept of "孝 Respect” to nursery children in the context of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) can be a wonderful way to help them develop important social and emotional skills. Here's a simple and child-friendly introduction:
Respect (孝) refers to the fundamental virtue of filial piety deeply ingrained in Confucian philosophy and traditional Chinese culture. It embodies the reverence, obedience, and care that children are expected to show towards their parents, elders, and ancestors. This value emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmonious familial relationships, honoring the wisdom and sacrifices of previous generations, and upholding traditional customs and values. Respect (孝) fosters a sense of duty, gratitude, and devotion within the family unit, contributing to social harmony and continuity across generations.
Roots of Respect (孝) trace back to ancient Chinese philosophy, particularly Confucianism, where it holds a central position as one of the fundamental virtues. This concept emphasizes the importance of filial piety and respect for elders within the family structure. It finds its origins in the teachings of Confucius, who regarded filial piety as the cornerstone of social order and moral conduct. Respect (孝) is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, shaping societal norms, family dynamics, and individual behavior. It reflects a reverence for tradition, ancestors, and the wisdom of the past, serving as a guiding principle for personal ethics and social harmony.
To help nursery children understand the importance of being kind and respectful to others, it is essential to instill in them the values of empathy, compassion, and consideration for those around them.
Start by gathering the children in a circle and showing them a picture of a family, explaining that families are important because they care for and love each other. Ask them if they know what "孝" (Respect) means, and let them know that it's a special word for being kind and showing love and care to our family, friends, and even to the world around us.
Read a story or show a short video that exemplifies respect, such as a story about a child helping their grandparent or friends being kind to each other.
After the story, engage the children in a simple discussion. Ask questions like:
Encourage the children to share their thoughts and feelings, making it a safe space for open dialogue.
Now, let's do an activity to practice respect together. Provide a few scenarios or role-playing opportunities that help children understand how to show respect. For example, you can have them take turns pretending to help a friend up if they fall, or to say "please" and "thank you" when asking for or receiving something.
Engage the children in a simple art and craft activity related to respect. They can create a "Respect Flower" by drawing or sticking pictures of people they respect or love onto a paper flower. Talk about why each person is important to them.
Sing a simple song or rhyme related to respect. For example:
(To the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")
"Respect, respect, every day,
We should be kind in every way.
To our friends and family too,
Respect is the right thing to do."
Finish the session by summarizing the importance of respect, and encourage the children to practice respect in their daily lives. Remind them that showing respect is a way to make the people around us happy and feel loved.
Throughout the nursery sessions, continue to incorporate the concept of "孝" (Respect) by modeling respectful behavior and encouraging children to express their feelings and emotions in a respectful manner. Celebrate moments when they demonstrate respect towards one another.
By introducing respect in a fun and age-appropriate way, nursery children can begin to understand and embrace this important value as they grow and develop in their early years.
In conclusion, instilling the value of Respect (孝) in early years lays the foundation for building strong character, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to a harmonious society. By teaching children to honor and respect their elders, peers, and community, we equip them with essential life skills that promote empathy, cooperation, and understanding. Through storytelling, role-playing, and modeling respectful behavior, we empower young learners to embody the virtues of filial piety and reverence for tradition. As educators and caregivers, it is our collective responsibility to nurture a culture of respect in early childhood settings, guiding children on a path towards becoming compassionate, empathetic, and socially responsible individuals. Through these efforts, we cultivate a generation that values and upholds the timeless principles of respect, enriching both their lives and the world around them.