The world our children are inheriting is a whirlwind. Geopolitics is a maze, Technology & disruptive trends reshape our realities daily, social landscapes morph at dizzying speeds, and information floods in from every direction – sometimes conflicting & even confusing.
As parents, we often find ourselves clinging to familiar landmarks, wondering how to navigate this ever-evolving terrain. But amidst the chaos, one constant remains & always helps: the bedrock of strong values & faith that we will get through.
We’re not just raising children for today; we’re preparing them for a future we can barely imagine. And in this future, more than any specific skill or piece of knowledge, their critical thinking skills & values will be their compass, guiding them through the complexities and uncertainties that lie ahead.
WHY DO VALUES MATTER MORE THAN EVER?
Lets reflect on some of these aspects:
- Navigating Moral Ambiguity: The digital age presents a constant stream of ethical dilemmas. From online interactions to AI-generated content, our children need a strong moral compass to discern right from wrong. Instilling values like honesty, integrity, and empathy equips them to make sound judgments in a world where the lines are often blurred.
- Building Resilience in a Turbulent World: Change is the only constant. Teaching values like perseverance, courage, and adaptability helps children build resilience, enabling them to bounce back from setbacks and embrace new challenges with confidence.
- Fostering Meaningful Connections: In a world increasingly driven by virtual interactions, genuine human connection is more precious than ever. Values like kindness, respect, and compassion foster empathy and understanding, enabling children to build strong, meaningful relationships.
- Creating a Better Future: Our children are the architects of tomorrow. Instilling values like responsibility, fairness, and a sense of social justice empowers them to become active, engaged citizens who strive to make the world a better place.
- Anchoring in a Sea of Information: The sheer volume of information available can be overwhelming. Values help children prioritize, filter, and critically evaluate information, choose the right paths, ensuring they are guided by principles rather than swayed by fleeting trends.
SO HOW TO PLANT SEEDS OF VALUES’ IN CHILDREN?
- Lead by Example: Children learn by observing. Our actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the values you want to instill in your daily life.
- Make it a Conversation: Engage in open and honest conversations about values. Discuss real-life scenarios, explore different perspectives, and encourage critical thinking.
- Use Stories and Literature: Stories and reading or discussion books/literature provide powerful tools for exploring ethical dilemmas and illustrating the importance of values.
- Incorporate Values into Daily Routines: Look for opportunities to reinforce values in everyday activities, from chores to playtime.
- Encourage Empathy and Compassion: Help children understand and appreciate different perspectives. Encourage acts of kindness and service to others.
- Foster a Growth Mindset: Help your child to understand that mistakes are learning opportunities, and that they can grow and improve through effort and dedication.
- Peer group: peer group of our children has a big impact, just like the school & family. Help your child mix with the right peer group, choose nicer friends, – helps significantly. Let’s not underestimate its importance.
- Choose right school – culture: the culture of the school molds our children. Choose for values & culture that you would like your child to imbibe – rather than just a fancy big brand. Simplicity, good behavior, collaboration, respect, humility, kindness, empathy are usually visible in a walk through – or the culture of the parent/staff group in the school – so is not too difficult to assess.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT:
Instilling values isn’t just about shaping our children; it’s about shaping the future. Every act of kindness, every display of integrity, every moment of empathy creates a ripple effect, spreading positive change throughout our communities and beyond.
In a world that’s constantly changing, the values we instill in our children are the anchors that will keep them grounded, the compass that will guide them, and the light that will illuminate their path in the coming future.
Let us plant these seeds with intention and care, knowing that they will blossom into a future filled with hope, compassion, and unwavering strength.
VALUES ARE IMPORTANT: ALWAYS: A CALL TO ACTION!
As parents, educators, and community members, it’s our responsibility to address this important issue. We need to find ways to encourage our children to choose wisely – keeping values as an anchor always.
BUT PREPARING THEM FOR THE FUTURE – IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The future of our children & therefore our society- depends on our ability to instill good values. By recognizing the importance of values – the child’s school, family environment & his/her peer group all help to develop the same.
…and is always best to start early – and lay the right & lasting foundations
Let’s start a conversation:
- WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ISSUE OF INSTILLING VALUES EARLY IN CHILDREN?
- What steps can we take as a community to address this challenge?
- Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school, home and outdoors
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees there near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air too.
why – the Sixth Element?
Very simply, the Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back, to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – so important for children’s development – as we nurture, and get them ready for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done on instilling values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right or wrong, is discussed in its many facets often. As also discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum, with its emphasis on global citizenship and community service, fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your own food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW we are a uniform school), up-cycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rain water harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher helps build self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory, where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning, nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become not only successful individuals, but equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes by lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low density, impactful format
Reason why we chose Cambridge International curriculum is because the blend of teacher directed as well as learner self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – weather based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see for yourself why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon ‘activities enriched’ daycare centers are unique, exclusive compact neighborhood green campuses – where a lot of outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) takes place with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only 2 sections per each class grade – and very limited children on campus, allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high quality, committed teachers – the very backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the right methods and practices. As an example – our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with xfit kids , our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches – give a great foundational fitness and start to our school kids.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and our planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULAM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY, WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLL OUT IN INDIA NOW.
So in line with some of India’s top and globally the very best : we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the school children love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
