Teaching altruistic behaviour is an important step in developing a child's ability to learn capably. Achieving success within formal education is not only about developing knowledge and the tools to engage in learning, but also about understanding how and why people behave the way they do.
Settings can do much to promote altruism by providing a thoughtful response to sensitive situations. For example, when the family of a child at Ashgrove Pre-School in Canterbury, New Zealand, was affected by terminal cancer the nursery encouraged the children to find ways in which they could fundraise together for a childhood cancer charity. Now the group raises money every year by making a calendar that is printed and sold.
Teachers at Collingwood Nursery in Nelson Bays, also on New Zealand's South Island, decided to use baking to directly benefit families at their centre.
After a discussion on how to make everyday activities more meaningful, the teachers decided to give the cakes they made with the children to families identified as being under stress or undergoing a period of change. If a family involved with the centre has a new baby it is likely to receive a cake as an unexpected treat, along with a card made by a group of children to say they are thinking about the family.
Thinking of others These kinds of activities can be naturally extended at Christmas, and whether in recognition of a Christian, Jewish, Moslem or other tradition, the festive season can be an excellent time to develop altruistic behaviour in the children we are nurturing. This can be done by creating an environment that encourages empathy and providing the children with practical situations in which to complete activities that support altruism.
Children who are surrounded by practitioners who respond to them warmly and lovingly are more likely to respond in kind. Part of the struggle with children aged under five is that they are naturally egocentric, but this does not mean they cannot develop strong empathetic skills. Explaining the effects of both positive and negative behaviour to children can help them to develop greater sensitivity to the impact of their actions on others.
The end-of-year seasons of giving and celebration are also an excellent opportunity to help children think outside their own experience. To encourage the children in your setting to think of others at this time of year, try some of the following:
* Card making table Provide materials for the children to make cards for friends and family members. Sit at the table so you can talk to the children about the pleasure of making a card for someone and help if they want to try to write the greeting themselves.
* Baking as a group Have the children work together in groups to make cakes to be shared with the rest of the nursery or sent home to share with their families. Decorating ready-baked biscuits is a simple and easy alternative.
* Fundraising for a child-based charity As a team, select a charity that is relevant to the children. Take time to discuss the charity and the purpose of giving with them. Have them brainstorm some ideas, then select one that will not place their families under financial stress and go with it.
* Visiting an old people's home Older people can feel isolated during the festive seasons. Teach the children some songs they can sing to them and have them make some cards to give out.
* Making simple gifts for family members Choose a few simple gift ideas for children to make as presents to family members. This could include a tree decoration, bath salts, playdough parcels for younger siblings, a fridge magnet or a salt-dough model.
Discouraging materialism is one of the most important aspects of developing altruism. When the children return from holiday it may be tempting to ask each one what they received during the giving season and have them reel off a list of gifts. Perhaps a more positive question would be, 'What was the best thing your family did together?' The message is clear - family time is more important than material possessions. NW
Rachel Goodchild is an early years teacher and freelance writer based in New Zealand
