AMC August Values: Kindness & Rules and Responsibilities
KINDNESS:
At our preschool, kindness is a core value that we weave into every aspect of our curriculum. Our Kindness Values Curriculum not only teaches children how to be kind to one another but also extends this compassion to animals. We believe that by fostering empathy and care for all living beings, we help children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
As part of this initiative, the children at Amsterdam Avenue Summer Camp had the exciting opportunity to pick out fish for their classrooms. They’ve been learning how to feed and take care of these fish, gaining hands-on experience in responsibility and compassion. Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce special visits from animals, including a petting zoo where children can interact with and care for different animals. These experiences allow children to practice being gentle, patient, and responsible, reinforcing the importance of kindness in their everyday lives. Through these interactions, we hope to nurture a sense of respect and love for all creatures, big and small.
RULES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This month, we are diving into the theme of rules and responsibility as part of our values curriculum. The children are exploring what rules are, why we need them, and how they help create a sense of order, safety, and respect in the classroom and beyond. Through age-appropriate activities, our young learners are beginning to understand that rules are guidelines we follow to ensure everyone feels safe, included, and cared for. For example, they are practicing classroom rules like sharing toys, using kind words, and cleaning up after playtime. We also introduce community rules, such as crossing the street only when the light says “go” or sitting in a car seat while traveling. These lessons help the children make connections between their behavior and its impact on the world around them.
Community Helpers and Real-Life Connections
As part of our focus, we are teaching children about the roles of community helpers, including police officers, firefighters, doctors, and sanitation workers. These professionals enforce rules to keep us safe and maintain a healthy, functioning community. For instance, we discuss how police officers ensure that drivers follow traffic signals or how firefighters use rules during fire drills to protect us in emergencies.
Interactive Learning at School and Home
The children are engaged in role-playing activities, such as pretending to be community helpers and practicing important safety routines. We play games like “Simon Says” to teach listening and following directions, helping children understand that rules can be fun and beneficial.
To reinforce these concepts, we encourage parents to continue the conversation at home. You can talk to your child about the rules you follow as a family and why they are important. Simple activities like practicing how to call 911 or discussing what to do in an emergency are great ways to bring these lessons to life.
Suggested Books and Activities
We’re also incorporating books that teach about the importance of rules, such as:
“But Why Can’t I?” by Sue Graves, which helps children manage their emotions while learning about rules.
“What If Everybody Did That?” by Ellen Javernick, a fun story about the consequences of breaking rules.
“Hooray for Police Officers!” by Elle Parkes, which shows how police officers keep us safe.
At home, consider reading these books with your child to further strengthen their understanding of rules and responsibility.
Building Responsibility Together
Our values curriculum is designed to support your child’s growth, not only in following rules but in understanding why they matter. We believe that by working together, both in school and at home, we can help children develop respect for rules, a sense of responsibility, and a stronger connection to their community.
Look out for next month’s theme, and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback!
