The salam is a beautiful moment between two persons, usually with elders, in seeking forgiveness and starting over. Seen here at Kinderland Preschool @ PJ Section 14, a teacher and child share a salam, signifying the values of respect and humility that are nurtured from an early age. Whereas, at Kinderland Preschool @ Maisson Ara Damansara, the salam is done between friends, though playful, it teaches them about empathy.
Hari Raya is more than a festive celebration — it is also a meaningful opportunity for children to learn important values that shape the way they grow, connect, and care for others.
Simple traditions such as the act of salam carry beautiful lessons beyond respect. When children seek forgiveness from parents, grandparents, teachers, or friends, they begin to understand empathy, humility, and the importance of mending relationships with sincerity and kindness. These small but meaningful moments help children recognise that words and actions can impact others, and that compassion helps strengthen bonds.
Hari Raya is often associated with festive celebrations and delicious food like how Kinderland Preschool @ Sunway SPK and Kinderland Preschool @ Kota Bharu have meticulously prepared for the children to enjoy. At the same time, teachers took the opportunity to help children understand the deeper meaning and essence of the celebration, including the values of forgiveness, gratitude, respect, and togetherness.
At Kinderland, we believe that celebrations and shared experiences become powerful learning moments for character development. Through our Character Building A–Z programme, values such as empathy, kindness, patience, gratitude, and respect are intentionally nurtured through everyday interactions and experiences.
Children from Kinderland Preschool @ Denai Alam and Kinderland Preschool @ Seremban 2 can be seen making their own “karipap” (curry puffs) and weaving their own “ketupat”, turning festive food preparation into a meaningful learning experience that nurtures patience, focus, and perseverance.
Research has also shown the importance of developing these social-emotional values from a young age. According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, children who develop emotional understanding and positive social relationships early are better equipped for confidence, resilience, and healthy interactions later in life1.
Games can also become valuable learning opportunities for children. At Kinderland Preschool @ Puchong Utama and Bangsar, children experienced traditional games such as “tarik upih” and “congkak”, while Kinderland Preschool @ Damai Perdana held a fun rendition of a “Duit Raya” lucky draw. Beyond the excitement, these activities help children learn important values such as resilience, sportsmanship, and acceptance.
Similarly, Harvard Making Caring Common Project highlights that practicing gratitude, kindness, and empathy helps children build stronger relationships, emotional wellbeing, and a deeper sense of responsibility towards others2.
Children from Kinderland Preschool @ USJ, Ipoh, and Equine Park pose happily alongside their friends and teachers, embracing the joy of Hari Raya while creating meaningful memories and learning new experiences together.
Beyond the celebration itself, these shared moments remind children that true growth happens when they learn to care, forgive, and grow together with the people around them.
If you are interested to learn more about Kinderland’s Character Building A-Z programme or any of our multi-disciplinary curriculum, kindly click here to book your school visit: https://kinderlandmsia.com.my/kinderland-intake/
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