Teaching Respect in Preschool: Building a Foundation for Kindness and Empathy


Respect is a fundamental value that shapes how we interact with others and navigate the world around us. While the concept might seem abstract for young children, preschool is a crucial time to lay the foundation for respectful behavior. By fostering a culture of respect in your classroom, you can empower children to develop essential social-emotional skills and build positive relationships.


Why is Respect Important?

Teaching respect offers a multitude of benefits for preschoolers:

1 . Why is Respect Important?

  • Develops Empathy

    • Respect encourages children to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering compassion and kindness.

  • Enhances Communication

    • Respectful interactions promote active listening, clear communication, and understanding social cues.

  • Supports Self-Expression

    • A respectful environment allows children to feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings authentically.

  • Promotes Inclusion

    • Respect celebrates diversity and encourages children to appreciate individual differences.

  • Fosters Confidence

    • Feeling respected builds self-esteem and empowers children to be themselves.

    How to Teach Respect in the Classroom

    1 . Model Respectful Behavior

    : Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrate respect in your interactions with children, colleagues, and families.

    2 . Encourage Self-Respect

    Promote positive self-talk, healthy habits, and valuing oneself.

    3 . Read Books about Respect

    Share stories that illustrate respectful behavior in different situations. Some great choices include:

  • The Way I Act by Janan Cain

  • The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill

  • Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

    • 4 . Play Games with Turn-Taking

    Engage children in games that require patience, cooperation, and turn-taking, such as "Follow the Leader" or "Hide and Seek."

    5 . Facilitate Discussions

    Talk about what respect means, how it feels to be respected, and how to show respect to others.

    What Does Respect Look Like in Preschool?

    Respectful behaviors in young children can include:

  • Sharing toys and materials.

  • Raising hands before speaking.

  • Apologizing for mistakes.

  • Expressing wants and needs clearly.

  • Listening attentively to others.

  • Respecting personal space and boundaries.

  • Allowing others to make their own choices.

    • Tracking Progress and Sharing with Families:

    Observing and documenting children's progress in developing respectful behaviors is essential. This open communication strengthens the home-school connection and supports children's social-emotional growth.

    Creating a Respectful Classroom Culture:

    By consistently modeling respect, providing opportunities for practice, and celebrating acts of kindness, you can create a classroom culture where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered to thrive.


    At Stepping Stone Children's Academy in Bentonville, AR. your child will thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Discover our daycare and preschool programs designed for every age, Bentonville’s Premier Daycare Center.