Page 263 - Sanidhya 2025

The Importance of Teaching Values to School Children

- Building Character for a Better Tomorrow

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, social media, and increasing competition, it is easy for the
core values of life—like honesty, compassion, respect, and responsibility—to be overshadowed. Amidst the race for
marks, medals, and material success, we often overlook something far more essential: teaching values to our children.
Values are the invisible threads that hold the fabric of society together. They define how we think, how we behave,
and how we treat others. For school children, values are not just moral lessons taught in moral science periods; they
are life skills that shape who they become as adults. Teaching values early on is like planting seeds that will grow into
strong, deeply rooted trees—resilient in the face of life’s storms.

Values Begin at School — the Second Home

While the foundation of values begins at home, schools play a critical role in reinforcing and nurturing them. A child
spends nearly one-third of their day in school, learning not just arithmetic and grammar, but also how to live and
behave with others. When schools integrate values into their everyday activities—through storytelling, peer
interactions, assemblies, and classroom conduct—they contribute to shaping responsible citizens.
For example, when a teacher patiently listens to a student explain why they couldn’t finish homework, it teaches the
value of empathy and non-judgment. When students are encouraged to work in groups and help one another, they
learn cooperation and mutual respect. Though they may seem like small steps, they actually make a deep impact on
impressionable minds.

Real-Life Heroes, Not Just Chalkboard Lessons

Teaching values shouldn’t feel like a sermon. Children relate more when values are embedded in real-life stories.
Narratives of courage and integrity—be it Mahatma Gandhi’s honesty as a child, Chatrapati Shivaji’s courage, or even
the story of a local sanitation worker’s dedication—are far more impactful than textbook definitions. Conducting
programs like ‘Our Helpers in the Society’ go a long way in instilling respect for community helpers. Simple activities
can go a long way. Morning assemblies can focus on a value of the week. “Circle Time” can encourage open
discussions on honesty, peer pressure, or respect. Celebrating “Gratitude Week” or “Kindness Day” can involve writing
thank-you notes to support staff or helping a classmate in need. Community service visits to old-age homes or
orphanages offer eye-opening experiences that remain with children for life.
Imagine a classroom where students are not just asked to memorize the meaning of “responsibility,” but are made the
in-charge of keeping the class library organized, maintaining a star chart appreciating honesty and discipline or where
they are taught about “inclusiveness” by celebrating festivals of all religions, and encouraging interaction with
differently-abled peers. These practical experiences help children internalize values rather than just understand them.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world where headlines are filled with news of violence, intolerance, dishonesty, and greed. In such a
context, our children need the tools to not just excel, but to discern. Values help them navigate peer pressure, media
influence, and moral dilemmas. A value-oriented child is less likely to engage in bullying, cheating, or disrespect.
Instead, they are more likely to be thoughtful, considerate, and fair.
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