The first few years of a child’s life are the most formative and crucially shape the adult they grow up to be. At Wandsworth Prep we understand that early exposure to Character Education has long lasting effects and lays the foundation for pupils to succeed in school and become positive contributors to society.
Why is Character Education in the Early Years Important?
The crucial brain connections that will last a child’s lifetime, are formed through the interactions and experiences they have during their first few years of life. Character Education in the Early Years sets the stage for a lifetime of positive habits and values, influencing a child’s behaviour well into adulthood.
What are the benefits of Character Education in the Early Years?
By focusing on virtues and emotional literacy, Character Education contributes to the social and emotional wellbeing of young children, laying the groundwork for positive mental health in the present, and later in life. Early exposure to Character Education fosters positive relationships with peers, teachers, and family, creating a supportive social environment. Also, the virtues and values instilled during the early years provide a solid foundation for academic success and future learning endeavours.
Building foundations
In the early years, we focus on laying the foundation for essential virtues such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Young children are highly influenced by the adults and peers around them. Positive character traits, behaviours and values are modelled through stories, role-playing, and positive interactions with adults in the learning environment.
Character Education focuses on building fundamental social skills such as sharing, listening, and cooperating and making friends.
In reception, we cover the importance of developing a positive growth mindset and approach towards our learning, understanding that learning takes time and practise. Our PSED sessions allow children to extend their thinking beyond the circle time into their activities in the continuous provision which link back to the focus for the week.
To find out more about our early years provision, book a place on our reception open day or email office@wandsworthpre.com to arrange a visit with our head, Laura Nike.
