To Respect and Be Respected
At our preschool, we are inspired by the principles of the Respect and Be Respected approach, which has long been developed in the Czech Republic by Jana and Pavel Kopřiva and other experts in the fields of education, psychology, and communication. This approach is rooted in humanistic psychology and a modern concept of education that is based on respect, empathy, and a partnership between adults and children.
The goal is not to control or punish the child, but to help them learn responsibility, self-regulation, and respect for others.
Basic Principles of the Approach
The "Respect and Be Respected" method is based on several key values that intertwine emotional safety, freedom, and responsibility:
- Respect for the child's individuality – every child is viewed as a unique being with their own needs, opinions, and feelings, which are just as important as those of an adult.
- Empathetic communication – the adult strives to understand what the child is experiencing, rather than judging or lecturing them.
- Setting boundaries with respect—boundaries are not imposed through authority ("because I said so"), but clearly, kindly, and consistently.
- Responsibility instead of obedience—the goal is not blind obedience, but the development of intrinsic motivation and the ability to bear the consequences of one's own actions.
- Cooperation instead of competition—children learn to cooperate, resolve conflicts, and seek mutual solutions, rather than fighting for power or attention.
How the Method Manifests in Practice
In the day-to-day life of the preschool, these principles are reflected in the teachers' approach to the children, in communication with parents, and in the overall atmosphere of the environment.
- Adults speak to children calmly, clearly, and respectfully—they describe situations rather than judge the child's character ("I see that water has spilled on the floor" instead of "You're clumsy again.").
- We resolve conflicts through dialogue, not punishment—children have the opportunity to express their point of view, and we teach them to find solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
- We support autonomy and intrinsic motivation—children have the opportunity to make decisions about certain things on their own, thereby learning responsibility and confidence in their own abilities.
- We view mistakes as a natural part of learning, not as failures.
- Teachers are guides who support the child, not judge them.
Benefits for the Child
Children guided in this way gradually learn: Such an environment fosters self-confidence, empathy, trust, and a sense of security, which are the foundation for further healthy personality development.
- recognize and name their feelings,
- listen to others and understand their needs,
- take responsibility for their actions,
- seek solutions to conflicts without shouting or aggression,
- collaborate and be considerate,
- have healthy self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.
Why We Use This Method
We believe that true education does not begin with learning letters or numbers, but with relationships—how we talk to one another, how we resolve conflicts, and how we treat one another.
The Respect and Be Respected approach helps build our preschool as a community where both children and adults feel accepted, heard, and safe.
Our teachers receive regular training in this methodology and apply it not only when working with children but also when communicating with parents.
"A respectful approach is not about unlimited freedom, nor is it about strict discipline. It is a path toward balance between kindness and consistency, between freedom and responsibility."(Jana and Pavel Kopřiva, authors of the method)
This approach supports the development of healthy self-confidence, empathy, and intrinsic motivation—the foundations upon which a child builds the rest of their life.
