Where and how should
children learn values? We know that they need to learn them because values form
the beliefs and attitudes that will determine how they live their lives and
function in society. To function effectively in society, children need to be taught
how to be honest, kind, courteous and considerate. Any society that does not
teach children these values would soon fall apart. Similarly, one would expect
a nation to be made up of citizens who know how to respect other people and
their property. These citizens should also understand the value of humility and
self-control. They should appreciate courage and be willing to care for those
weaker than themselves. Any nation whose citizens have not been taught these
values would soon become a nation not worth living in.
Teaching these values
to children cannot be delayed. This is because, unlike young animals, whose
instincts are often highly developed at birth, human babies are totally
dependent. Human beings have emotional needs, desires, thoughts and feelings
which determine action. This is precisely why they must learn values, not just
survival skills as do animals. These values will help control the natural
responses that result from satisfying purely selfish needs and desires.
Whether we help them or
not, children will absorb values as they experience the world. The question is
what kind of values? Too many parents have no idea of the diet of violence and
depravity that is available for young people today. If we were to watch the
programs on television that children watch, the movies they enjoy, and the
websites they frequent, we would be shocked at what they are being exposed to.
Violence, cruelty, and perversion make up much of their entertainment. What is
worrying is that the impressionable young minds of children take what they see
seriously. It moulds their thinking and forms their values.
There has to be an
antidote to the loose morals that are part of today's culture. But who is to
provide it? Children need to know of the alternatives. They need to know that
some things are just wrong. They need an environment where they will be
supported if they choose to do right. This ability to make right choices based
on sound values will become even more important in the years ahead. The
children of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The values we have (or have not)
imparted will be seen in the decisions they make when they hold positions of
responsibility. Will these decisions be based on sound, moral values for the
good of society?
In the light of the
above, it is clearly unfair to cast the younger generation adrift in the world
without some moral compass to guide them. Who is to equip them? Is it the
school that should teach them values? Many educators think it is, at least to
some extent. Schools can do much to arrest the problem of declining standards
and values. The school curriculum can promote the spiritual, moral, cultural,
mental and physical development that students need to prepare them for society
and adult life. However, most teachers would readily agree that the ultimate
responsibility for the development of children's values is not theirs. The main
teachers should be the children's parents. The most effective classroom is the
home, where the parents set the standards. Teachers can then help by
reinforcing these standards and supporting the parents' efforts to eliminate
bad habits and inappropriate behavior.
Summary: Children are
impressionable and need to be taught moral values. These values will form their
beliefs and attitudes, determine how they live, and help them function
effectively in society. Children are totally dependent. They absorb values they
experience and believe the negative influences in the media. They need an
antidote to the depravity of today's culture. they must learn to control their
natural responses to their needs. They must learn that some things are just
wrong, that there are alternatives, and they will be supported if they make
right choices. they are the future leaders who will make decisions based on
values they have. Therefore they must be equipped with a moral compass to guide
them sot hat the problem of declining standards and values can be arrested.
No comments:
Post a Comment