May's Value - Harmony / Peace (偕) - Calmness From Within

May Value of the Month:
Harmony / Peace (偕)

Introducing the concept of "偕 Harmony" or "Peace" to nursery children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework can be a wonderful way to encourage their personal, social, and emotional development. Here's a simple and engaging way to do it:

The History of 偕 Harmony / Peace

Dating back millennia, the concept of 偕 Harmony has been woven into the fabric of Chinese culture, influencing everything from governance to personal ethics. From the teachings of Confucius to the principles of Taoism, 偕 Harmony stands as a beacon of wisdom, guiding generations towards peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.

Defining 偕 Harmony / Peace

At its essence, 偕 Harmony encompasses more than just the absence of conflict; it embodies a deep sense of empathy, compassion, and cooperation. It is the art of listening without judgment, speaking with sincerity, and finding common ground amidst diversity.

Teaching 偕 Harmony / Peace to Our Children

In a world often marred by discord and division, teaching our children the principles of 偕 Harmony is paramount. Through storytelling, role modeling, and interactive activities, we can impart the values of empathy, inclusivity, and conflict resolution, nurturing a generation capable of fostering harmony wherever they go.

Start with a Story:

Begin by reading a simple, age-appropriate story or book that emphasizes the idea of harmony or peace. Choose a story that features characters working together, resolving conflicts, or enjoying calm and happy moments. Popular choices for this age group might include "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, "Peace at Last" by Jill Murphy, or "We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio.


Discussion:
After reading the story, engage the children in a group discussion. Ask open-ended questions like:

- "What does 'harmony' or 'peace' mean to you?"

- "How do you feel when everything is calm and happy?"

- "Can you think of a time when you felt peaceful?"


Encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, and validate their responses.


Creative Activities:

Involve children in creative activities that relate to the concept of harmony or peace:

- Art: Provide art supplies for them to create drawings or paintings of what peace looks like to them.

- Music: Play soothing music or songs about peace while they have a dance or movement session.

- Yoga and Breathing Exercises: Introduce simple yoga poses and deep breathing exercises to help them feel calm and peaceful.


Peaceful Play:

Set up a designated area in the nursery for "peaceful play." Fill it with soft toys, cushions, and books about harmony and peace. Encourage children to use this space when they want to relax, read quietly, or take a break.


Outdoor Activities:

Take the learning outside by engaging children in nature-based activities, such as a nature walk, where they can observe the peacefulness of a park or garden. You can also introduce concepts like recycling to show how we can help keep our environment in harmony.


Positive Social Interactions:

Encourage positive social interactions by modeling and reinforcing behaviors that promote harmony and peace. Use scenarios from the story you read earlier to guide discussions on how conflicts can be resolved peacefully.


Circle Time:

During circle time, introduce a "peaceful moments" routine. Encourage each child to share something that made them feel peaceful or happy recently. This promotes a sense of community and emotional expression.


Reflection and Review:

Periodically revisit the concept of harmony or peace in your nursery activities. Ask the children what they have learned and how they have applied it in their interactions with others.

Remember that children at the nursery age learn through play and exploration, so keep activities simple, engaging, and age-appropriate. By incorporating these concepts into their daily experiences, you can help them develop a foundation for understanding and appreciating harmony and peace in their lives