5 Things I Learned Working on Our Early Childhood eBook

I am excited to share the release of our new publication, Growing Goodness: How 12 Schools Are Fostering Character in Early Childhood. The link to download the free eBook is below.

What an honor it was for me to collaborate with school leaders and teachers from each of the 12 schools we feature in the publication. 

Below are 5 “aha moments” that fired up my neurons and plucked my heartstrings while working with these esteemed educators:

• 5-year-olds can discover their “helping others” superpower

Teachers at the Donald Stewart Center for Early Childhood (NJ) ask their students at the beginning of the year to select the one “superpower” they want to develop to help them care about and support others at their school. Each student creates a poster, with the help of their parents and caregivers, to illustrate how they will soar with their signature strength. I can’t stop thinking about the power of this amazing practice! 

• Hand signals are an effective character-building skill

I love watching athletes use hand signals after hitting a home run or scoring a game-winning basket. However, at the Don Earl Early Childhood Center (MO), students are asked to make “thumbs up choices” to reinforce the importance of making responsible decisions. Teachers also give a “thumbs up” when they notice one of their students practicing a calming technique. Until I started working on this publication, I had never thought about using hand signals to facilitate character development. 

• It’s not too early for kiddos to practice positive self-talk

I am a fanboy when it comes to the power of positive self-talk. But I always thought this technique couldn’t be effectively introduced until middle school or high school. Yet, after reading how Manor Elementary (PA) incorporates the technique for all their PreK and kindergarten students, I now believe that positive self-talk can work for students at all age levels!

• The Golden Rule is alive and well

Vestavia Hills Elementary-East (AL) uses inspiring language and images to reinforce the importance of the Golden Rule. Their kindergarteners learn the difference between being a “bucket filler” and a “bucket dipper.” I loved learning how the staff use the “bucket filler” language to help their students make kind, loving, and helpful choices to help others feel special and important. 

• 10 Things Early Childhood Educators Want Us to Know

When we invited each school to share one of their character-inspired practices, we also asked them to share one or two things they wanted readers to know about fostering character in early childhood. I learned so much from their responses, but I especially appreciated how so many teachers and school leaders shared with us that their “little ones” are always watching and listening. I realized, once again, that teachers and school leaders are “always on parade.” 

I hope you enjoy our new publication. We wrote it for all educators and parents who believe in the wisdom of the quote: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.” 

CLICK HERE to download our free eBook, Growing Goodness: How 12 Schools Are Fostering Character in Early Childhood. 

Our new publication was made possible via a grant

from The School for Ethical Education.