Play and the Development of Ethical Values

As children discover the excitement and satisfaction of learning, they also come to appreciate the values we share with the entire school. Play is a powerful and essential part of early childhood education, helping young children build a strong sense of community and develop core ethical values. During play, children learn to build friendships, advocate for themselves, foster a sense of community, and show empathy. At Grace, we intentionally integrate play-based learning into our daily routines, creating rich opportunities for social, emotional, and ethical growth.

Two important parts of the early childhood day are choice time and outdoor play. Choice time offers students the opportunity to engage with their grade-level peers while selecting from a wide range of activities such as manipulatives, games, building materials, and art supplies. Through shared activities like block building, imaginative role-play, and collaborative games, children naturally learn kindness, cooperation, and fairness. Outdoor play on the Toy Deck further enhances physical, emotional, and social development, all under the attentive guidance of caring educators. This child-directed play encourages creativity and independence, while teachers observe, guide, and gently scaffold interactions to support social learning. They help children navigate challenges, model conflict resolution strategies, and encourage inclusive play. Through these daily experiences, each child learns to understand their role in the community and build confidence in group settings. 

These playful interactions foster respect for others, peaceful conflict resolution, and the ability to see different perspectives. At school, play provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore concepts of right and wrong, laying the foundation for empathy, responsibility, and meaningful social connections. When schools and families work together to value and support play, they help children grow into thoughtful, caring members of their communities.