Our 5Gs – Positive Dispositions in Children

Presbyterian Preschool Services’ desire to build a strong foundation in truth, beauty and goodness for each child is expressed through the nurturing of the following positive dispositions in our children. Namely growth, grit, grease, grace and gratitude.

As we journey alongside your family to inspire every child to learn, grow and glow, we hope you will find ways to inculcate these values at home too! Read on to find out more about these dispositions and what are some practical examples your family can adopt!

GROWTH

Having a deep desire to learn and progress in the big and small things; always seeking to build each other up in love

Examples of what we can do with children at home:

• Invite your child to share some things that they enjoy doing. Brainstorm and identify some new things that your child might like to try or learn. You can even come up with a plan together to engage in an activity with your child's friend to help them explore a new task, game or skill!
  

• Giving your child praise that is specific will encourage your child to keep growing, even for simple tasks! For example, instead of merely saying, "good job", point out their effort. "I notice that you have put in a lot of effort to put on your shoes. It is okay if you do not get it, I will help you!" 
  

• Praising children for their willingness to try (and keep trying!) instead of their abilities or "natural intelligence" sets them up to pursue growth instead of resigning to what they are struggling with. 

GRIT

Embodying the spirit of tenacity; recognising that failures are a part of life, embracing and rising from failures positively, and having the courage and resilience to overcome all of life’s challenges and difficulties.

Examples of what we can do with children at home:

• If you see your child struggle with a task, do not sweep in immediately to “rescue” them. Instead, encourage them to try on their own. If they fail, suggest ways they can try again.
  

•  For example, when your child struggles to pour water out of the jug into their cup independently:
  

• Instead of taking over the task and helping them with the pouring, suggest ways that they can try again. You could help them try another grip of the jug, or give them a jug with lesser water to show them they can do it when the task is adjusted to their abilities.

GREASE

Engaged and assiduous doers who are willing to get their hands dirty, demonstrating great willingness to try, explore and experiment.

Examples of what we can do with children at home:

• Involve your child in chores at home, even the ones that may seem dirty or unglamorous. You may also model “grease” for them by not avoiding the challenging tasks yourself.
  

• For example, when you are making dinner, provide opportunities for your child to get involved even when they may make a mess.

GRACE

Recognising that all of life is a good gift and that we are all recipients of grace from others, learning to extend this same grace to others which includes having the ability to forgive.

Examples of what we can do with children at home:

• During decision-making process, provide opportunities for planning to take place together and invite your child to negotiate their perspective instead of making decisions unilaterally.

• Model what extending grace looks like to your child and also in front of your child with other adults, providing them with vocabulary like “thank you for apologising. I forgive you.” Or “I appreciate you for sharing your thoughts with me.”
  

GRATITUDE

Always being in a state of contentment and thankfulness, and ever-ready to show appreciation to others and reciprocate kindness.

Examples of what we can do with children at home:

• Be intentional about setting aside time as a family to share what are we thankful about one another.

• When your child helps you, thank them for their effort and their willingness. This models gratitude for them in the every day moments.

The process of journeying with a young one will prove to be challenging. Often times, we project our personal experiences in our own childhood on our own children. It takes intentionality, planning and unlearning in order to create opportunities for positive dispositions to be cultivated. However, with time, children will learn from the model we provide for them and this will set them apart for the rest of their lives.

If you’re interested to learn more about why these positive dispositions matter so much to us, read about the what, the why and the how behind our “truth, beauty and goodness” curriculum below.

Why TBG Matters