In 1986 Robert Fulghum composed an essay entitled, "All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten". While somewhat tongue in cheek, the 16 principles espoused in the piece were a reminder to adults about the importance of attitudes and behaviors associated with basic common courtesy. A sampling of his advice included: share everything, play fair, don't hit people, clean up your own mess, don't take things that aren't yours, wash your hands before you eat, say you're sorry when you hurt someone and, when you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
Children at birth, helpless and totally dependent upon caring adults for their very survival, are (appropriately) a bundle of rage, narcissism and verbal demands. Their primitive understanding of themselves is that they are the center of the universe and when they vocalize their wants or needs, those needs are promptly met. As they grow and mature, they gradually encounter the reality that their wants and needs must be considered in the context of the needs and want of others around them.
Enrollment in an early learning program is often a first introduction to a formalized situation in which a child finds on a daily basis that his/her individual needs are no longer the force around which the universe revolves. Firm, consistent behavior shaping in the context of a loving, supportive and mutually respectful relationship between teacher and child gives that child the opportunity to learn these valuable lessons that will serve them well throughout their school careers and their lives. Teachers model desired behaviors and establish clear expectations for children to do the same. Children are rewarded externally with praise from the adults around them and internally with a sense of pride and competency. As a result these tiny, good citizens are being prepared for a life of success, competency and positive self esteem. All based on the lessons learned in their Pre-K world.