How to Teach Responsibility in Kindergarten by Managing Possessions

As curious little explorers, children tend to play and experiment with things around the house or borrow items from playmates and siblings. Often, they make a mess, break a few things, and neglect others’ belongings. With adults so often cleaning up after them, children may fail to realize the importance of developing a sense of responsibility for taking care of their own and others’ possessions.

To instill responsibility in children, schools and educators can start by teaching them how to care for their possessed or shared items. This way, children can practice self-discipline and be mindful of how they use and store the objects they own and borrow. They also gain organizational skills and a positive self-concept, as taking care of things can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Using an illustrative and immersive audio story titled "What the Animals Saw," this evidence-based SEL lesson teaches kindergarten students what possession is, why it must be valued, and how to take care of it properly.

The story starts with the busy jungle animals looking for materials they can use to finish the rest of the boat. They are looking for the right kind of trees when they suddenly encounter an old, uninhabited house. Upon looking around, they realize that they can use the boards of the house for their boat. However, while the widths of the boards are just right, they still need to shorten their length. Thankfully, Miska Monkey finds an old saw in the house that is still sharp enough to be used.

Everything seems to go right for the jungle animals, so they spend the day having fun and playing. At night, they sleep soundly, even with the heavy rain. The next morning, when it is time to start cutting the boards again, they all wonder where the saw is. When they finally find it, it is lying on the ground, all wet and rusty.

This story emphasizes the valuable lesson of taking responsibility and proper care for the tools and resources one has or shares with others. It also highlights the consequences of neglecting to protect and maintain the objects one relies on. Kindergarten students discuss this further in the class discussion that follows. Here, they answer guide questions that prompt them to share their thoughts and reflections.

Overall, teaching kindergarten students to take care of their possessions is fundamental in helping them develop a sense of responsibility and self-management. This lesson not only molds them into responsible individuals but also equips them with essential life skills that will benefit them as they grow. The positive actions they learn about responsibility and self-management extend beyond their belongings and form a strong foundation for personal growth, relationships, and future success.