At Noddy by Elizabeth, fostering compassion in our children is as essential as their academic growth. For more than 40 years, our nursery school near Sathorn has been instiling valuable lessons in empathy and compassion into our curriculum, especially during the festive season.
The Value of Cultivating Compassion for Kids
Compassion is an essential life skill and virtue that affects the well-being of individuals and communities. Teaching children compassion from an early age helps them develop:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which is essential for building relationships and acting thoughtfully.
- Social Skills: Building cooperation and conflict resolution, skills vital in school settings and later life.
- Emotional Intelligence: Recognising one’s own emotions and those of others, which helps in dealing with others and making decisions.
- Social Awareness: Helping children learn about diversity and interconnectedness in our community.
Building Foundations of Compassion
At Noddy by Elizabeth, we teach the virtue of compassion by introducing children to the joys of giving and sharing. Every year, we collaborate with established community organisations during the holiday season.
We encourage our children and their families to participate in gift-giving initiatives. Children are invited to bring a wrapped gift suitable for children their age to place under our school’s Christmas tree. This hands-on approach helps them understand and embrace the act of giving.
Teaching Compassion to Young Children
There are no set ways to teach compassion to a child. Learning compassion involves various lessons and experiences, including:
Involving Children in the Process
Compassion is best taught through active participation. Parents are encouraged to involve their children in every step of the gift-giving process, from choosing the gift to wrapping it. This helps children see the personal impact they can have and make the act of giving into a shared, joyful family activity.
Expanding the Circle of Sharing
While children often enjoy sharing with friends and family, we extend this concept to include those they may never meet. This teaches them that kindness extends beyond their immediate circle.
Real-Life Applications of Lessons
At Noddy by Elizabeth, lessons are not confined to the classroom. We explain to children where their gifts go, and the happiness they will bring to other children. This helps them to understand the difference they make with their actions.
Parents as Role Models
If you’re wondering how to explain compassion to a child, this lesson is best learned through observation. When parents and caretakers demonstrate compassionate behaviour—whether it’s helping a neighbour, volunteering, or simply expressing gratitude and showing kindness in daily interactions—they set a powerful example for the children. At Noddy by Elizabeth, we encourage our teachers and staff to actively demonstrate these values to reinforce the lessons taught in school.
Practising Patience and Flexibility
Teaching compassion is a gradual process that requires patience. Children may not always understand or appreciate the impact of their actions right away. We advise parents and educators to be flexible and patient, allowing children to grow into their understanding at their own pace. Celebrating small acts of kindness can motivate them to continue these behaviours.
Why Compassion Matters
Developing Empathy and Social Responsibility
Teaching compassion helps children develop empathy, an emotional skill that allows them to connect with others and understand diverse perspectives. It fosters a sense of social responsibility and a readiness to act for the benefit of others.
Long-term Impact on Personal Growth
Children educated in compassion often grow into adults who value and practice kindness. They’re likely to continue contributing positively to their communities, making it an important aspect of early education.
Join Us at Noddy by Elizabeth
Join the Noddy by Elizabeth family in supporting our local community initiatives, including our school Christmas celebration, which has the theme “The Joy of Giving.” Learn more about how Noddy by Elizabeth’s British EYFS-based curriculum incorporates life lessons in compassion and community engagement. Contact us today for a school tour.
Elizabeth Prinyarnussorn founded Noddy by Elizabeth Playgroup in 1978, driven by a passion for creating a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 6 years. With her UK nursing background, she introduced the British “learn through play” approach to Bangkok, setting a high standard for early education. Over 40 years of dedication, she continues to inspire the school’s mission.