Glen Education Mordialloc

Kindness and Respect

By Celeste Polkinghorne, Early Childhood Trainee Educator

At Glen Education Mordialloc, we aim to assist children in developing a strong sense of self by celebrating their individuality, while ensuring we nurturing confidence, healthy self-esteem, and a sense of empowerment.

 In 2025 we will focus on teaching kindness, respect, and consent, encouraging children to ask for permission before joining in on play or physically interacting with others. We’ll also celebrate the joy in play, help the child build connections with peers and teachers, and help children discover their own strengths. Additionally, we aim to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility in the children, promoting sustainable relationships with the people around them and the environment, while also empowering children to communicate confidently and advocate for themselves. 

At Glen Education Mordialloc, we will consistently recognise and celebrate each child’s achievements and talents, encouraging them to explore their own interests through a wide range of play experiences. We will foster an inclusive learning environment where diversity is celebrated, safely allowing children to express themselves, and their cultures freely, without fear of judgment. 

By modelling and encouraging asking for permission before engaging in play or physical interactions, we will help children practice respectful communication, with questions like, “Can I join you?” or “Is it okay if I give you a hug?” We will help the children develop a sense of bodily autonomy and boundaries. Our play spaces will be designed to encourage cooperative games and group activities, assisting children in developing teamwork and communication skills. This will be done through creating play spaces for various numbers of children, and we will encourage them to use the analog clock to take turns, which also assists their time-telling capabilities. 

We will introduce age-appropriate discussions about the environment and the surrounding community, such as simple recycling and composting. We will also work with the children to keep the kindergarten clean, leaving each space better than we found it. Via guided experiences, we will teach empathy, cooperation, and fairness, encouraging children to consider how their actions affect others, how to compromise, and how to take turns. Consistently throughout the year, we will provide a supportive environment where children can comfortably express their feelings, ideas, and needs, while we encourage self-advocacy through teaching them important language such as, “I need help” or “I’m feeling upset” helping them to communicate confidently and effectively.