Importance of Value Education in Primary School

Table of Content

What does Value Education means?

How to impart Value Education?

What is the role of parents in Value Education?

Essential values for children.

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

The school years are the most vibrant and energetic period of a human's life. Memories created during this period are often cherished. We all have that nest of memories where we can free fall. And this is one of the most beautiful and important periods in a human's life. This is the time our children capture the world around them vividly. Like a brand-new computer, they take in and process everything they sense from their environment without any filter. And being a teenager, the innate impulse to experiment surges along with the intricate hormone reactions. The experience during this period is very important. Also, the vulnerability of lacking a filter is there.

What does Value Education means?

Answer to this concern lies in the importance of value education. Value education can be considered as the filters every child need for a better understanding of the world. The academic values our children earn from primary schools and online education platforms equip them to pave the way for a bright professional career that is about to come. How to use this education will be based on the values nurtured in them. Value education is an integral component of a child's learning journey. It will help shaping not only their academic success but also their character and moral compass. In today’s world intelligence and academic achievements are at center stage. Therefore, importance of instilling core values in school-going children cannot be overstated.

How to impart Value Education?

Imparting values to children can be tricky. They might misunderstand and even take the opposite of what is intended. Therefore, values can be passed on through two methods of teaching, explicit and implicit. The explicit education involves classes and open sessions aimed at answering the value-based questions directly. The implicit education focuses on the subtle influence of values in curriculum, this works by explaining examples, role-plays and practices at home and school. For example, minor punishments for the wrong doings and minor treats for the right actions will prove as self-explanatory. Children shall understand the difference in the treatments and poses more chance of doing right actions.

What is the role of parents in Value Education?

Parents play a pivotal role in imparting values to their children. They can teach the values through guidance, reinforcement, and modelling behaviours that can result in desired values. Rewarding for positive behaviour, giving second chances rectify the mistakes, and engaging in open discussions about values can help children understand the importance of such values. The traditional methods of intense punishments are not encouraged now a days. Such punishments not only cause physical harm but also mental scars that might be haunting him/her lifelong.

In order to make parents understand this, different boards of education must give parents training sessions. And include the sessions as special education for parents in their respective curriculum.

Essential values for children.

Some of the core values, essential for children's holistic development, are as following:

1. Integrity: Always give positive endorsement for honesty and honest persons. Always be honest yourself while around children. Give honest replies and opinions to children. Such practices will help the children to build trust up on you and practice it themselves.
2. Accountability: Understanding the importance of accountability is important in this world. Children should be taught to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences of their choices. The traits of resilience and self-discipline can be built through this practice.
3. Inquisitiveness: Children should be encouraged to ask questions and explore new ideas. This helps in fostering a lifelong love of learning and critical thinking. Tease their intelligence with puzzles and games like crosswords, chess, sudoku, etc. This can help in developing their skills and academic intelligence also. Such essential skills help them in navigating through an increasingly complex world.
4. Respect: Instilling respect for oneself and others promotes empathy, tolerance, and understanding. The virtue can pave way to foster harmonious relationships and a sense of community.
5. Empathy: Building strong interpersonal connections and fostering a sense of social responsibility is important for the success. One can achieve it by cultivating empathy. Through empathy children develop compassion and kindness towards others.
6. Resoluteness: Resoluteness or determination is often misunderstood as a negative trait. But teaching children the value of resilience and hard work, empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. They can mentally prepare for the shortcomings on their way to success. And even at such adverse conditions they will be able to stay strong and face the challenges with constructive ideas.
7. Open Communication: Provide an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Such safe havens for their feelings and thoughts foster healthy communication skills and strengthens parent-child relationships.

In conclusion child's development during their school years is critical in shaping their moral compass. Therefore, character and academic achievement of children depend on value education. Incorporating value education into the school curriculum enhances academic learning and equips children with essential life skills. Such moral principles will prove to be a guide for them through their adulthood. By fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and integrity, educators and parents can empower the next generation to become compassionate, ethical leaders who contribute positively to society.

Ultimately, value education is not just about what children learn in the classroom. These are the values they carry with them throughout their lives. Parents have a crucial role to play in passing it on through various approaches. Integrity, responsibility, curiosity, respect, empathy, resiliency, and open communication are examples of core values. In conclusion value education equips the next generation with the tools they need to become leaders of the future world.