Introducing the concept of "偕 Harmony" or "Peace" to nursery children in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework can be a wonderful way to encourage their personal, social, and emotional development. Here's a simple and engaging way to do it:
- Start with a Story:
Begin by reading a simple, age-appropriate story or book that emphasizes the idea of harmony or peace. Choose a story that features characters working together, resolving conflicts, or enjoying calm and happy moments. Popular choices for this age group might include "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, "Peace at Last" by Jill Murphy, or "We're All Wonders" by R.J. Palacio.
- Discussion:
After reading the story, engage the children in a group discussion. Ask open-ended questions like:
- "What does 'harmony' or 'peace' mean to you?"
- "How do you feel when everything is calm and happy?"
- "Can you think of a time when you felt peaceful?"
Encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, and validate their responses.
- Creative Activities:
Involve children in creative activities that relate to the concept of harmony or peace:
- Art: Provide art supplies for them to create drawings or paintings of what peace looks like to them.
- Music: Play soothing music or songs about peace while they have a dance or movement session.
- Yoga and Breathing Exercises: Introduce simple yoga poses and deep breathing exercises to help them feel calm and peaceful.
- Peaceful Play:
Set up a designated area in the nursery for "peaceful play." Fill it with soft toys, cushions, and books about harmony and peace. Encourage children to use this space when they want to relax, read quietly, or take a break.
- Outdoor Activities:
Take the learning outside by engaging children in nature-based activities, such as a nature walk, where they can observe the peacefulness of a park or garden. You can also introduce concepts like recycling to show how we can help keep our environment in harmony.
- Positive Social Interactions:
Encourage positive social interactions by modeling and reinforcing behaviors that promote harmony and peace. Use scenarios from the story you read earlier to guide discussions on how conflicts can be resolved peacefully.
- Circle Time:
During circle time, introduce a "peaceful moments" routine. Encourage each child to share something that made them feel peaceful or happy recently. This promotes a sense of community and emotional expression.
- Reflection and Review:
Periodically revisit the concept of harmony or peace in your nursery activities. Ask the children what they have learned and how they have applied it in their interactions with others.
Remember that children at the nursery age learn through play and exploration, so keep activities simple, engaging, and age-appropriate. By incorporating these concepts into their daily experiences, you can help them develop a foundation for understanding and appreciating harmony and peace in their lives.