Using Magic Stones to Foster Golden Values
In the enchanting world of early childhood education, positive reinforcement plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds and nurturing desirable behaviours. One delightful and effective method we’ve embraced in Cricklade Manor Nursery is the use of “magic stones” as rewards. These shimmering tokens are not just ordinary stones; they are symbols of recognition and encouragement for children who embody our cherished golden values.
What Are Golden Values?
Golden values are the foundational principles we instill in our Nursery children. They include:
- Kind Hands: Encouraging gentle and caring interactions with peers.
- Listening Ears: Promoting attentive listening and respect for others.
- Walking Feet: Ensuring safe and calm movement within the Nursery.
- Looking Eyes: Teaching children to observe and be aware of their surroundings.
- Inside Voice: Encouraging appropriate volume levels indoors.
Outside of these golden values, children can also earn magic stones for being:
- Thoughtful: Showing empathy and consideration for others’ feelings.
- Hard Working: Demonstrating perseverance and a strong work ethic.
- Creative: Engaging in imaginative play and innovative thinking.
- Imaginative: Exploring their creativity and dreaming big.
How Magic Stones Work
Magic stones are awarded to children who demonstrate these golden values and other positive behaviours. Here’s how the system works:
- Observation: Teachers and staff keenly observe children throughout the day, looking for instances where they exhibit golden values and other positive behaviours.
- Recognition: When a child is seen following a golden value or displaying thoughtfulness, hard work, creativity, or imagination, they are awarded a magic stone. This immediate recognition reinforces the positive behaviour.
- Collection: Children collect their magic stones and place in their jars, which they proudly display.
- Celebration: At the end of each week, we hold a small celebration where children can count their magic stones in exchange for a small reward, such as, a favourite story, a trip or a fun activity of their choice.
The Impact of Magic Stones
The magic stone system has had a profound impact on our Nursery environment:
- Enhanced Positive Behaviour: Children are motivated to follow golden values and exhibit other positive behaviours, knowing their efforts will be recognised and rewarded.
- Increased Self-Esteem: Receiving magic stones boosts children’s confidence and self-worth, as they see tangible evidence of their good behaviour.
- Stronger Community: The system fosters a sense of community and mutual respect among children, as they celebrate each other’s achievements.
- Creative Expression: By rewarding creativity and imagination, we encourage children to explore their artistic and innovative sides.
The magic stone system is more than just a reward mechanism; it’s a celebration of the values we hold dear. By recognising and reinforcing positive behaviours, we create a nurturing and inspiring environment where children can thrive.
The magic stones remind us all that even the smallest acts of kindness, creativity, and hard work are worth celebrating.
