The tree of values is a pedagogical resource that entertains children, and a very important tool for learning. It is an enjoyable, educational and ideal technique to reinforce values previously taught at home . Remember that the first lessons of education in values are given at home, and that is what makes it possible that later these values can be “reinforced” by the teachers in the classroom.
How we define the tree of values
We can define the tree of values technique as an educational activity that helps us in early childhood to discover what is important for each child. Basically it is an activity that is carried out in the classroom, in the first groups of preschool , when the children are still very young. The impact of this technique is so positive on children that it is often also used as an intervention method in different offices and jobs with older people. This technique of the tree of values is applied to children from birth to the age of six, although with certain modifications, as we say, it can even be applied to adults.
What is the tree of values technique?
The tree of values technique consists of meeting three fundamental requirements in a specific order, which are:
- Exposure of behaviors to children by the teacher
In this first phase, the facilitator or teacher must speak clearly to the children about the definition of behavior and the values that we must have for a healthy coexistence in daily life, in classes and at home. The teacher must use a common and easy-to-understand vocabulary , since it is a subject with which children are not very familiar, however, the definitions in most cases are clear so it is suggested to take examples based on movies, songs, stories or fables.
- Identify the values
At this second point, the values to be taught must be explicit enough so that children can identify them in life situations. Short videos, images, stories and even real examples from the same group in the classroom can encourage healthy discussion and identification of values through dynamics . We must always keep in mind that what is really sought is understanding based on the attention of children.
- Construction of the value tree with the participation of all
This is the third and final stage of the activity, and here all the values that have been identified in the resources previously used in class are displayed. When they are all finally exposed, the teacher will begin the discussion to identify which are the most important values for each child , and later, place them in the upper branches of the tree. The rest can be placed in the middle and lower parts of the branches of the tree or you can even place values in the roots of the tree.
This material, the product of the effort of all the participants, must be used exclusively for the following days in the classroom and also to decorate, that the effort of all is visible, since the understanding of the participants will be reinforced during the time it is exposed. This is why, to obtain the maximum benefits in this pedagogical activity , it should be applied preferentially in the first years of school and childhood , since it is at this stage when preconceived ideas do not yet exist nor is there evidence of what which fully means a value and what it can bring us on the path of life.
