April Character Essentials- We are Good Citizens

Infants: The focus this month is to create a sense of community in the classroom, where every child feels like a valued member of the group. Children first need to feel like they are part of a group before they can understand the importance of good citizenship. At this stage, teachers should plan opportunities to reinforce how the children belong with each other in the classroom group

Toddlers: The focus this month is to help children understand that they are citizens of the classroom community and the larger world around them. The children will be exposed to books and pictures of children around the world to recognize differences and similarities in how children live and belong to groups such as family, classrooms, and the communities in which they live. At this stage, teachers should reinforce how children belong to a group. This sense of belonging is the foundation for building character traits of good citizenship.

2 Years old: At this stage, children are beginning to show care for others and the world around them. Children develop a sense of community and citizenship when they have opportunities to engage and interact with groups of children. Early preschoolers are becoming more aware of other children and are beginning to participate in cooperative play. They still need support to help navigate this new stage of play. During this stage, it is important for children to have opportunities to engage in child-directed play, learn how to solve conflicts in social situations, and to be responsible for their actions.

3 Years old: Being a good citizen means caring for others and the world around them. Children can show care for others by being honest, treating others with respect and fairness, and being able to compromise. When we hold children accountable for their actions, they are developing and learning the skills needed to become good citizens of their community, school, and family

4 Years old: The goal this month is to encourage a sense of community and responsibility within the classroom, to introduce the core values needed to be a good citizen, and to build a trusting and supportive environment.

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