—
Waldorf Academy, a world renowned education centre based in Toronto, Ontario, launched a new report on how to introduce a tradition of giving and generosity during the holidays. The academy has over 30 years of experience providing alternative education that encourages creativity, social awareness, moral thinking and fosters altruism.
More information can be found at https://waldorfacademy.org/introduce-tradition-of-giving-during-the-holidays.
The report covers all the important reasons why schools should not only create a space for generosity but also actively model children behaviour. In addition, the most useful and effective six ways to help introduce a tradition of giving and generosity during the holidays are presented in detail.
As research indicates that children who feel cared for and respected by fellow students score better on their studies, including on math tests, it is important to encourage them to discuss and engage in taking care of other students, faculty and staff. This creates an environment that fosters altruism, while also teaching the benefits of altruism.
A first step to model such behaviour is to let children plan their own acts of generosity and not just observe or perform an act of kindness because they have to follow instructions. This allows children to find their own way of expressing empathy and kindness, and the teachings of these experiences will also last a lot longer.
During this process, it is important for parents and teachers not to set expectations that are too high. Children should always be congratulated on their efforts and acts of generosity. In addition, parents should set the first example of generous behaviour as children absorb everything their parents do.
According to the report, children shouldn’t be rewarded for their kind behaviour because this conditions the child’s future actions. Also, studies have shown that while teaching generosity it is important to use specific vocabulary linked to increased generosity, including positive words, such as kindness, loving, friendship, giving, helpfulness.
Finally, children should be encouraged to be kind with all types of people and not discriminate with whom they are generous. They should realise from a very young age that all people deserve kindness and generosity.
Interested parties can find more by visiting the above-mentioned website.
Waldorf Academy Toronto has also recently announced their winter fair. More information can be found at the preceding link.
Release ID: 470268