As part of my Values in Action (VIA) journey, I had the opportunity to visit Active Learners, a preschool centre, together with a group from my class. Our goal was to educate kindergarten children about kindness, while keeping them engaged through fun and meaningful activities. This VIA experience not only challenged my communication skills, but also helped me grow in empathy and patience — especially when interacting with young children of different needs and personalities.

To teach the value of kindness, we planned and carried out several interactive activities. We played simple group games like “Musical Chairs” and “Simon Says”, which helped the children stay focused while learning how to take instructions. For example, we used “Simon Says” to encourage teamwork and discipline by giving them instructions like “Simon says, stand in one row.” This strategy turned listening into a game, and it worked especially well with a group that was often energetic and easily distracted.

We also guided the children in drawing pictures of what they were thankful for. Many of them drew touching images of their parents — often with a car, symbolising love and care in the form of transport or family outings. This part of the activity helped them express gratitude in a creative way, and gave us a glimpse into what truly matters to them.

In another segment, we encouraged the children to write positive and kind sentences on the whiteboard, such as “You are pretty” and “Be kind to others.” It was heartwarming to see how excited they were to write and read these messages out loud. We made sure the tone of the session was light-hearted, fun, and encouraging — making the experience enjoyable while reinforcing good values.

Like all meaningful experiences, this one also came with its challenges. Some children found it difficult to follow instructions, and keeping their attention was not always easy. However, through the use of structured games like Simon Says, we were able to manage the group better and re-focus their energy.

One particular challenge involved a young girl with autism. She had difficulty staying engaged and following instructions. While this initially seemed overwhelming, my group and I worked patiently and supportively as a team to help her participate in the activities. We adjusted our approach to be gentler and more accommodating, which eventually made a difference. That moment reminded me of the importance of inclusion, adaptability, and perseverance.

This VIA project taught me that kindness is not just something we preach — it’s something we model, practice, and nurture, especially in the youngest members of our society. It also made me realise that being a role model, even for just one day, can leave a lasting impression on a child. Most importantly, it reinforced that teamwork, empathy, and creative communication are powerful tools in any form of education or leadership.