Apology and Repair
To develop understanding of genuine apology and making amends as relationship repair.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Gives genuine apologies
- Identifies impact of actions
- Suggests repair actions
- Shows understanding of relationship repair
Materials
- Sorry steps visual
- Repair action cards
- Story books about apology
- Role-play props
Instructions
TEACHING GENUINE SORRY: 'Sorry isn't just a word you say. A real sorry has three parts: 1) Say what you did 2) Say how the other person might feel 3) Do something to make it better.'
MODELLING REPAIR: 'I'm sorry I accidentally knocked your tower. You must feel frustrated because you worked hard on it. Shall I help you rebuild it? That's how I can make it better.'
GUIDING CHILDREN: 'When you pushed Leo, he fell and cried. Can you tell him what happened? How do you think he feels? What could you do to make it better?'
VALUING REPAIR OVER WORDS: Don't force 'sorry'. If a child won't say it, focus on repair: 'You don't have to say sorry, but you DO need to help fix what happened. What could you do?'