Building Blocks of Decency: An Engaging Program to Teach Kids Essential Life Skills!

The formative years of childhood are crucial for learning fundamental life skills. It is during these years that children acquire social norms, form their perspectives, and build their character. “Building Blocks of Decency” is an exemplary educational program designed to cater to these unique learning needs of 6-7-year-old children. This article aims to shed light on the expected skills, abilities, and understanding that children of this age should possess, drawing on credible research from trusted sources and organizations.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of any educational curriculum, especially when addressing the needs of children aged 6-7 years. At this age, children are expected to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and needs clearly, demonstrating a growing vocabulary and more complex sentence structures (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, ASHA). They should be encouraged to ask questions, express their curiosity, and engage in elaborate conversations.

Social Skills

Learning to interact respectfully with others is a vital life skill. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests that children of this age should demonstrate an understanding of social norms, cooperation with peers, and the ability to solve conflicts in a respectful manner. They start forming friendships and are capable of empathizing with others.

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Decision-Making Abilities

Six to seven-year-olds are on the brink of developing their decision-making skills. The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) suggests that children at this age start making simple choices and gradually learn to consider consequences. They begin to understand that their decisions can affect others, and they can start learning about responsibility and accountability.

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Community Involvement

Encouraging children to be active participants in their communities is an important part of their character development. According to research by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), children this age should be introduced to basic societal norms, responsibilities, and the importance of contributing positively to their communities. They should also learn about kindness, respect, and the significance of helping others.

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Learning Decency

The fundamental principle of the program is to teach kids about decency – a critical value that encompasses respect for others, honesty, and ethical behavior. As suggested by the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project, children in this age group are capable of understanding these concepts. They can distinguish right from wrong and appreciate fairness.

Children aged 6-7 are at a key stage in their development where they are starting to understand the world around them in more depth. Programs like "Building Blocks of Decency" are designed to cater to this crucial stage by focusing on developing communication skills, social interaction abilities, decision-making skills, community involvement, and the understanding of decency. These are the foundational skills that can help shape them into responsible, empathetic, and socially-aware individuals in the future.

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