July: Doing Right: Helping Nursery Schools teach Right from Wrong

Doing Right: Helping Nursery School Children Navigate Right from Wrong

In a world that often glorifies personal gain and individual success, the age-old question of "What is the right thing to do?" becomes increasingly pertinent. Imagine a playground dispute over a treasured toy, a fundamental childhood scenario that offers fertile ground for teaching lessons of righteousness and justice. As parents and educators, our collective role is to help children understand and navigate the principles of right and wrong, aligning with the Confucian concept of 义 (Yì), akin to the Stoic idea of Justice. At Hatching Dragons nursery schools, we are committed to integrating these philosophical teachings into our curriculum, fostering a generation that values righteousness over self-interest.

The Philosophical Framework

Before delving into our educational approach, it's important to understand the philosophical backdrop that informs our teaching. The Confucian principle of 义 is often translated as "righteousness" or "doing the right thing." In Confucian thought, 义 is a moral disposition to do good, shaped by the notion that one's actions should be guided by what is morally correct rather than personal gain. This resonates with the Stoic concept of Justice, which emphasises fairness and acting in the interest of the greater good, often requiring sacrifices of personal desires.

Both philosophies converge on the belief that individual actions contribute to the harmony and balance of society. In essence, they encourage a mindset that prioritises the community's well-being over individual whims. By instilling these values early on, we hope to nurture children who grow into conscientious, empathetic adults.

Our Approach at Hatching Dragons

Teaching such complex concepts to nursery school children might seem like a daunting task, but at Hatching Dragons, we believe in breaking down these ideas into age-appropriate, relatable experiences. Our approach involves a blend of storytelling, role-playing, and real-life scenarios that help children understand and practice the principles of righteousness and justice in a way that’s both engaging and educational.

Storytelling as a Tool

Children are naturally drawn to stories, making storytelling an effective tool for imparting moral lessons. By using stories from various cultures that exemplify the themes of right and wrong, we create a narrative framework that children can relate to and learn from. In these stories, characters often face dilemmas that require them to choose between personal desires and what is morally right. Through discussions and guided reflections, children are encouraged to empathize with the characters, understand their choices, and contemplate what they might do differently.

Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing allows children to step into different roles and experience situations that require ethical decision-making. For instance, we might simulate a scenario where two children must decide how to share a limited number of resources. By navigating these scenarios, children learn to negotiate, compromise, and recognize the impact of their choices on others. This experiential learning encourages them to practice empathy and fairness, which are essential components of righteousness.

Real-Life Applications

We understand that the principles of righteousness and justice extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Therefore, we incorporate real-life applications that encourage children to practice these values in their interactions with peers, teachers, and family members. Whether it’s resolving conflicts, sharing toys, or participating in group activities, children are guided to consider the implications of their actions on others. Such experiences help reinforce the importance of acting in ways that benefit the collective, even when it means setting aside personal preferences.

The Role of Parents

While our educational efforts at Hatching Dragons lay a solid foundation, parents play a crucial role in reinforcing these values at home. As role models, parents have the unique opportunity to demonstrate the principles of righteousness and justice through their actions and interactions. Here are a few ways parents can support this learning:

1. Model Ethical Behaviour: Children are keen observers. By modelling ethical behaviour, parents provide a tangible example for children to emulate. Simple acts of kindness, fairness, and honesty can leave a lasting impression.
2. Encourage Open Discussions: Engage your child in conversations about right and wrong. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about different situations, guiding them to consider alternative perspectives.
3. Foster Empathy: Help your child understand the feelings and needs of others. Encourage them to consider how their actions affect those around them, promoting a sense of community and shared responsibility.
4. Celebrate Righteous Choices: Acknowledge and celebrate instances where your child makes choices that align with the principles of righteousness and justice. Positive reinforcement encourages continued ethical behaviour.

The Impact on Society

When children learn to prioritise righteousness over self-interest, the ripple effect on society can be profound. These children grow up to become adults who value justice, fairness, and the well-being of the community. They are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue, seek compromise, and contribute to a more harmonious society.

However, it is important to recognise that the journey to understanding and practicing righteousness is continuous. As children grow, they will encounter increasingly complex moral dilemmas. Our role, as parents and educators, is to equip them with the tools and mindset needed to navigate these challenges with integrity.

Conclusion

At Hatching Dragons, we view the teaching of righteousness not as an imposition, but as an invitation to children to explore the nuances of ethical decision-making. It is a journey that we embark on together, guided by the rich philosophical traditions of Confucianism and Stoicism. As we impart these timeless values, we hope to inspire a generation that understands the importance of doing what is right, even when it’s not necessarily what they want. By fostering a culture of righteousness and justice, we contribute to the betterment of society, one child at a time.