Dr. Simon L. Dolan is considered a pioneer in value-based education because he has extended his decades of research and practice in values-based leadership and coaching to the realm of children’s education, recognizing that values must be cultivated early in life to shape ethical, resilient, and purpose-driven individuals.
???? Why Dr. Dolan is a Pioneer in Value-Based Education for Children
Bridging Leadership Science with Childhood Education
- He took the core ideas from his TRIAxial Model of Values (economic-pragmatic, ethical-social, emotional-developmental) and translated them into story-driven learning tools accessible to children.
- His belief: Values are not taught; they are discovered, experienced, and shared—and stories are the best vehicle to do that.
???? Children’s Books as Educational Tools
1. “The Magic Carpet and the Island of Values”
- A fantasy adventure where children journey to an island and encounter challenges that reveal the meaning and importance of values like respect, honesty, effort, and empathy.
- Designed as a read-and-reflect storybook, it includes questions and tools for parents, teachers, and coaches to help children internalize these values.
- The tale is designed to spark conversations about values in classroom and home. Each island represents a safe space where children explore dilemmas and choice, helping them internalize values through guided reflection.
- Innovative approach: Instead of teaching what is right and wrong, it encourages children to discover their own values compass. The story can be couples with games and exercises to help children personalize and act on these values. The parent and educator guide is available for free download.
2. “Aye, the Magic Drone and the Islands of Values”
- A Modern sequel: a follow-up story where a magic drone takes children to different islands—each representing a value dimension (e.g., respect, collaboration, self-awareness, industrious, spiritual discovery and more).
- Incorporate technology (a Magic Drone) while revisiting the same core values from a contemporary lens.
- Offers an interactive experience that makes abstract values concrete and fun. The values are not only re-explored, but recontextualized to fit today’s digital world.
These stories are not just tales—they are applied psychology tools aimed at developing emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and intercultural respect in young minds.
3. Global Reach and Pedagogical Innovation
- Translated into several languages and used in schools, therapy sessions, and homes across continents.
- Adopted by some value-driven educational systems in Europe and Latin America. Remember, the book is designed not only for children, but namely for parents, educators and coaches, fostering intergenerational dialogue on ethical economic, emotional and spiritual development.
- Encourages dialogue between children and adults, supporting co-learning of values across generations.
4. Why Dr. Simon is a Pioneer in This Field
- He bridges academic rigor with storytelling—based on decades of research in psychology, management, and coaching.
- He uses a coaching-based methodology adapted to the developmental stage of children: asking questions, sparking reflection, and promoting self-discovery.
- His work is aligned with UNESCO’s goals for values-based education and has been used in various educational systems across continents.
- He treats values as dynamic and lived, not imposed—turning abstract concepts into playful, practical, and emotional learning experiences.
5. Educational Impact
Prof. Dolan’s tales are more than stories—they’re transformational tools that support a global movement toward a more human, conscious, and values-centered education.
✨ “If children learn values early, they will lead with them later.” – Prof. Simon L. Dolan