Celebrate your efforts as the first educators of your child

As a parent doing their best, take a bow. You are the first and primary educators of your child and all your efforts will not go unnoticed by your child. The years of effort and the untiring work you put into the rearing of your child will come to fruition as they mature. Of course, the world is not a perfect place and all that should be asked of any parent is that you simply do your best. There will be influences along the way that will impact on your child-rearing work but being consistent and determined with your heart in the right place will win out on this occasion.

Let’s now reflect on how you impact your child as the first and primary educator. The following reasons show you why you make all the difference.

Foundation of Values and Morals: Parents instil their values, ethics, and morals in their children from an early age. It naturally happens that way. This foundation helps shape the child's character and guides them in making ethical decisions throughout their life. They are listening and learning from an early age.

Language and Communication Skills: Parents are the primary source of language development for children. They help children build their vocabulary, improve communication skills, and foster a love for reading and learning. Speak to them well and listen well to what they have to say. How you use your language skills will influence how they use their language skills to others.

Emotional Well-Being: Parents provide emotional support, love, and care that create a secure attachment in children. This secure attachment serves as a strong emotional foundation, promoting positive mental health and resilience. Your emotional support perhaps I should say, this emotional security is the foundation of building self-esteem.

Cultural and Religious Identity: Parents often pass down cultural and religious traditions, customs, and beliefs. This helps children understand their heritage and cultural identity, promoting a sense of belonging. All that you do which is ritual and contains family values will give your child stability and a connection to the past.

Early Learning and Curiosity: Parents stimulate a child's curiosity by answering questions, engaging in activities, and encouraging exploration. This early exposure to learning fosters a lifelong love for knowledge and learning. Being an active, engaging parent will provide the stimulus and interest in learning.

Responsibility and Work Ethic: Parents teach children about responsibility, work ethic, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. These lessons help children develop a strong sense of personal responsibility and motivation. Your modelling in this area happens on a daily basis. They observe how you live and how you live up to your expectations.

In essence, parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's values, identity, emotional well-being, and learning experiences. Being the first educators, they have a profound impact on their children's development, helping them become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the world with confidence and integrity. The ball is in your court. Enjoy the game.

‘Parents are teachers, and home is a child’s first and most important classroom.’

-Hillary Clinton

Be excited for your child as they attend school each day

Imagine educating your child on your own! There is so much excitement and anticipation when your child starts school as they will be exposed to myriads of opportunities and challenges. You will journey through the school experience and together with your child enjoy the long and winding process together. You are in partnership with the school which sees you as a critical educator and contributor to your child’s education.

A school’s environment will have much to offer your child. Below are some very realistic outcomes that you can expect from the school.

Social Development: School is a place where children interact with peers and learn valuable social skills like sharing, cooperation, and making friends. Parents can be happy about their child's chance to develop important social relationships. Their ability to make friends, keep them and practice the art of good communication comes from the school setting. Such an environment enlivens your child’s emotional and social growth. They learn a lot about self-esteem by studying their peers.

Independence and Responsibility: School teaches children to become more independent and responsible for their actions. Parents can look forward to seeing their child grow in maturity and self-sufficiency as they take on new responsibilities. A school will support the work you do in teaching your child all about being responsible. Teachers work hard to encourage independence in learning and set expectations and goals for your child.

Broadening Horizons: School exposes children to a wide range of subjects, ideas, and experiences that they may not encounter at home. Parents can be excited about the opportunity for their child to explore different interests and broaden their horizons. You cannot do everything. A school presents topics that can be discussed openly and challenges your child to think differently. The setting of a school sets the scene for healthy, vibrant conversation. It encourages your child to think differently.

Emotional and Cognitive Development: School not only focuses on academic learning but also on emotional and cognitive development. Parents can be happy knowing that their child will receive guidance and support in developing important life skills and emotional intelligence. As your child grows, the school will set social and emotional expectations to match their age and learning. It will challenge your child in different ways to enrich their emotional intelligence.

Future Opportunities: A good education lays the foundation for future opportunities and success. Parents can feel excited about the doors that may open for their child as they progress through their educational journey. Who knows what your child will do and become after they leave school? The excitement is to watch how school broadens their thinking and expectations. You are not alone in preparing them for life.

In summary, school offers children a host of benefits, from educational and social growth to independence and future opportunities, which can make parents excited and happy about their child's educational journey. So be happy when you send them off to school. Understand that school will be a setting to parallel all the good work that you do through parenting.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.’’                                                                                             

Einstein.

Your child needs your patience as they progress through school

Patience is a vital virtue for parents with children in school because:

Learning Takes Time: Learning is a gradual process, and children need time to absorb new information and develop their skills. Being patient allows them the necessary space to learn at their own pace. Nothing happens overnight and consider that your child will developmentally keep evolving and growing in their own time.

Individual Progress Varies: Every child has a unique learning style and pace. Patience is essential to recognise and respect these individual differences without imposing unrealistic expectations. Allow your child their right to pace their learning, this gives them time to process and to observe and learn what is happening around them. There are no rewards for speed. Remember the story of the turtle and the hare.

Mistakes Are Part of Learning: Children often make mistakes as they learn. This is a natural part of learning. Patience enables parents to offer support and guidance rather than react negatively to errors, fostering a more positive learning environment. Being patient allows your child their right to grow at their own pace.

Building Resilience: Patience helps children build resilience and develop a growth mindset. When they face challenges, patient parents can encourage perseverance and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Resilient people are not quick to be anxious and develop a maturity around them that allows time and space to heal and recover.

Effective Communication: Patient parents are better at listening and understanding their children's concerns and questions about school. This open communication fosters a stronger parent-child relationship and a more supportive educational experience. If you listen well you need to take time and be prepared that there is no timeline for listening effectively.

Modelling Behaviour: Parents who demonstrate patience serve as very effective role models for their children. When children see their parents remaining patient in the face of difficulties, they are more likely to adopt this valuable trait themselves, which can benefit their academic and personal lives. A child will comfortably approach a parent who will be calm, present and patient. That is such an inviting way to present your case when nervous.

Finally, patience can and should be acquired by everyone. It sets the scene for healthy relationships with your child. No one can resist a patient person. There is no need to feel that your child should be at a level of development that is expected of them. Who sets those expectations? Children are individuals and over time and with supportive environments, they will learn best at their own pace. Better quality learning spread over time than demanding and setting targets.

‘Let your child breathe gently and comfortably through their learning journey.’ 

-Gail J Smith

Supporting your child’s individual learning style

We are not all learning like robots. We all develop our own individual learning style which needs to be nourished and encouraged from an early age. If we block our child’s ability to learn in their own way it can inhibit their ability to learn, it will devour their self-confidence and their interest in learning will spiral down very fast.

Here are some sound reasons why supporting their individual style will accelerate your child’s learning: Let them take ownership of their learning style.

Optimised Learning: Tailoring your support to your child's learning style ensures they can absorb and retain information more effectively. This optimisation leads to better academic performance and a deeper understanding of the material. A child will remember much more if they are in control of their learning. The brain is wired to connect to the child’s learning in a way that will be deeper and richer if the child is in control of what and how they learn.

Boosted Confidence: When children are taught in a way that aligns with their learning style, they tend to feel more confident about their abilities. This increased self-assurance can lead to a more positive attitude toward learning and taking on challenges. A confident child will learn with more gusto and memorise the content for longer.

Reduced Frustration: If a child's learning style isn't accommodated, they may become frustrated and discouraged. Shutting down to learning could be the outcome. Understanding and supporting their preferred learning approach can reduce their frustration and make the learning process more enjoyable. Try not to understand their learning style and accept that it works for them.

Enhanced Motivation: Children are more motivated to learn when they find the learning process engaging and relevant to their interests and preferences. Catering to their learning style can spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Improved Communication: Understanding your child's learning style allows for better communication between you and your child's educators. It enables you to advocate for your child's needs and collaborate effectively with teachers to create a conducive learning environment. Accept that your child is unique and in the classroom teachers know how to accommodate such variation in a child’s learning. Be there to talk to the teacher about how your child chooses to learn.

Personal Growth: Supporting your child's learning style fosters their ability to adapt and learn independently. They develop problem-solving skills and the capacity to explore various learning methods, which are valuable life skills. Your child’s individual style when encouraged strengthens their sense of self-worth and they value how they learn.

In summary, recognising and supporting your child's learning style can lead to more effective learning experiences, increased confidence, reduced frustration, enhanced motivation, improved communication with educators, and personal growth. A child will perform better when happy and are more conducive to learning when they feel confident that they know how best to learn. Give them space to experiment with how they learn and you will see a child taking more ownership of their learning.

What parents need to think about when our children go to school

As parents of children in school, there are several important concepts and considerations that you should always keep in mind to support your child's education and overall wellbeing.  These concepts are all about good parenting skills that help you keep your eye on that all-important issue of education.

Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with your child's teachers and school staff. Effective communication is essential for ongoing connection between the school and teacher. If things were to change you would learn about them quickly.

Support and Encouragement: Encourage your child's curiosity and love for learning. Provide emotional support and praise for their efforts, achievements, and resilience in the face of challenges. Be a positive parent who encourages their efforts and celebrates achievements of all sorts.

Active Involvement: Be actively involved in your child's education by attending parent-teacher conferences, school events, and volunteering when possible. Your presence and engagement can have a positive impact. Such involvement will show your child how you value their education and love learning. Be a partner with the school.

Consistency: Establish consistent routines at home to support your child's learning. This includes setting regular study times, creating a conducive homework environment, and ensuring a balanced daily schedule. Encourage your child to be part of the weekly planning of the family routine.

Individualised Learning: Recognise that each child is unique with their own strengths,        weaknesses, and learning styles. Support and advocate for individualised instruction when needed. Recognise your child in their own learning style and avoid labelling them.

Wellness and Health: Prioritise your child's physical and mental health. Ensure they get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Address any health or emotional concerns promptly. Talk openly about maintaining good health and encourage open conversation about what makes you feel well and happy.

Homework and Study Skills: Help your child develop effective study habits and time management skills. Encourage them to take responsibility for their homework and assignments. The more independent they are here, the more effective the homework will be.

Reading and Literacy: Foster a love of reading and literacy. Encourage reading both at school and at home, and provide access to a variety of age-appropriate books. Make your house a visual delight with books and magazines scattered throughout.

Technology and Media Literacy: Monitor your child's use of technology and media. Teach them responsible digital citizenship and ensure they have access to safe and educational online resources. Discuss electronic safety with the school as they have ways and resources to help parents cope at home.

Critical Thinking: Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ask open-ended questions and engage in discussions that promote curiosity and independent thinking. Have plenty of games around the house and discuss news items that can lead to healthy debate.

Respect for Diversity: Promote an appreciation for diversity and being inclusive. Teach your child to respect others' backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Be open to invitations and show your child that exclusivity is a dangerous and narrow position to take.

Advocacy: Be an advocate for your child when necessary. If you have concerns about your child's education or wellbeing, communicate with the school and seek solutions together. Work cooperatively with the school and listen to what they have to tell you.

Lifelong Learning: Emphasise the importance of lifelong learning. Show your child that learning is a continuous and enriching journey that extends beyond the classroom. Talk about how you keep learning and what excites your imagination when discovering new facts.

Balanced Expectations: Set realistic expectations for your child's academic performance, recognising that success may vary from subject to subject and year to year. Also, focus on rewarding the efforts put into their work rather than the results.

Positive Role Model: Be a positive role model for your child by demonstrating a commitment to learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a growth mindset. Discuss from time to time what makes you tick and find opportunities to show the way using common sense and emotional maturity

Self-Care: Remember to take care of yourself as a parent. Maintaining your own wellbeing and balance is essential for being able to support your child effectively. Also, your child needs to see that your self-care is essential for everyone’s wellbeing.

These ideas help you as a parent develop healthy and effective parenting skills to support their learning. The path is never even but keeping them on the right track steers them in the right direction.

‘There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.’

Sue Atkins.

Teach your child about life from outside the classroom

Teaching children about learning beyond the classroom is essential for their overall development.

Here are eight simple but effective examples for parents to help their children learn outside of school:

Remember, learning from the classroom is only one form of learning in what should be a lifelong experience.

1. Nature Exploration: Take your child on hikes or nature walks. Encourage them to observe and ask questions about plants, animals, and the environment. Use field guides or smartphone apps to identify species. This fosters curiosity and a love for science and the natural world. Have you considered having all the gear? Bikes, walking shoes for hiking etc. Let your child know how you value outdoor learning.

2. Cooking Together: Involve your child in meal preparation. Teach them about measurements, fractions, and the science of cooking. Discuss nutrition and make it fun by experimenting with recipes. This enhances maths and science skills while promoting a life skill. Talk to them whilst cooking as maths is best taught through conversation, experience and trial and error. Have cookbooks lying around the house.

3. Library Visits: Regular trips to the library expose children to a wide variety of books and resources. Let them choose their reading material, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels. Encourage discussions about what they've read to improve comprehension and critical thinking. Just spend some time together reading at the library. Talk to the librarians who have much to offer.

4. Art and Creativity: Provide art supplies and encourage your child to express themselves through drawing, painting, or crafting. Discuss famous artists, styles, and the history of art. This cultivates creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the arts. Take them on excursions to galleries, art houses etc.

5. Home Gardening: Start a small garden together, whether it's in your backyard or on a windowsill. Teach your child about plants' life cycles, photosynthesis, and responsible care for living things. Gardening also instils patience and a sense of responsibility. Collect books on gardening and read them together. Visit special gardens that are on display.

6. Museum Visits: Plan trips to museums, science centres, or historical sites. These outings expose children to culture, history, and science in an interactive way. Engage in discussions about what they've seen and encourage them to ask questions. Let them look up various places of interest to visit.

7. Find the right moment: When walking together or simply watching television, you will find the occasion to talk about life outside the classroom.

8. Be Curious about life: Notice things and talk about them. Question why you see birds in trees and notice how the waves change. The more you seem inquiring about outside life the more your child will show interest and curiosity. They begin to be more observant.

Outside the classroom, you open the door to many more learning opportunities. Here you provide direct personal contact with nature which is enjoyable, excites the imagination and encourages inquiry. Outside the classroom knowledge meets adventure and children are easily motivated to learn and explore in a much more natural way.

‘From a very early age. I had to interrupt my education to go to school.’

                                                          -George Bernard Shaw

Seven ideas to help your child with homework

Homework can mean different things to different children. Some simply love it and others see it as a drudgery. Either way, finding ways to ease the pressure after school for your child is the best way forward in managing homework. Of course, it will be different for each child.

These ideas are suggestions to make the task of homework meaningful and enjoyable.

1. Homework Hangout Corner: Transform a cozy corner of your home into the ultimate homework haven! Add comfy cushions, good lighting, and all necessary supplies. Make it a fun tradition by letting your child personalise their space with posters or stickers. They may like to play their favourite music there too.

2. Timer Tango: Set a timer for short study bursts followed by mini-breaks. For example, 25 minutes of focused homework followed by a 5-minute quick snack away from the study area. This rhythm keeps things engaging and prevents burnout. It also gives them something to look forward to in short, sharp bursts.

3. Snack & Solve Sessions: Combine brainpower with delicious bites! Create a "snack bar" full of brain-boosting treats like nuts, fruits, and yoghurt. Let your child indulge while tackling their assignments - a tasty incentive to power through. Try to be more relaxed about food issues while they are studying. Too many pressures and controls can reduce their enthusiasm for the work.

4. Question Quest: Turn homework into a treasure hunt! Write clues related to the subjects your child is working on. As they solve problems, they move closer to discovering a small surprise at the end of their quest. This is really all about putting some joy into the activities. It also shows your interest in their work.

5. Study Selfies: Encourage creativity by letting your child take "study selfies." They can snap a pic of themselves studying in a unique way each day. This adds an element of fun and lets them showcase their creative side. Set up a board where they can write notes, put up photos, celebrate success and work completed. By keeping it close to their workstation they can occasionally look up and enjoy the moment.

6. Teach-back Time: Let your child be the teacher! After completing their homework, have them explain a concept to you as if you were the student. This reinforces their understanding and boosts their confidence in their own learning.

7. Choosing the best time: When is the best time at home for your child to learn? Some children prefer to do their homework in the morning before school. Others straight after school. Discuss with your child when they think they cope better with homework. There is no set pattern. However, watch that tiredness does not interfere with their homework.

Homework is always a complimentary part of their work. Should they come across difficulties that cannot be worked through, then do not linger on it. The teacher is responsible for setting the homework and it is their responsibility to help the child through the problem the next day.

Remember, the goal is to make homework a positive experience that nurtures your child's growth and learning. The above light and easy ideas can turn mundane tasks into memorable moments!

‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn’

-Albert Einstein

Six great ideas that parents can use to build their child's interest in learning:

For some children, school can be long, demanding and tedious. The key is to keep your child interested in learning and to be excited about what is possible. We can really encourage a love for learning by demonstrating how we love to learn new things in our own lives.

Here are six great ideas that parents can use to build their child's interest in learning:

1. Make Learning Fun and Engaging: Create a positive and enjoyable learning environment by incorporating games, hands-on activities, and interactive experiences. Use educational apps, puzzles, and creative projects to make learning feel like play. Show your children how you enjoy learning all the time. Set your house up for easy access to books and all sorts of learning materials. Make it a visual feast of all things that lead to reading and discovery

2. Follow Their Interests: Pay attention to your child's natural interests and passions. Tailor learning experiences to align with their curiosity, whether it's dinosaurs, outer space, art, or animals. When children see that learning can be related to their interests, they become more motivated to explore and discover. Have fun with them when they do projects. Here you can use all sorts of materials and discuss many and varied topics.

3. Read Together: Reading is one of the best ways to foster a love for learning. Set aside regular time for reading together, exploring a variety of genres and topics. Discuss the stories, ask open-ended questions, and let your child's imagination flourish. Have plenty of reading material around the house.

4. Encourage Curiosity: Create an atmosphere where questions are welcomed and encouraged. When your child asks a question, help them find answers through research, experiments, or discussions. This shows them that learning is about satisfying their curiosity and finding solutions. Play games in the car where you learn and discover about the surroundings. Make life a learning experience all round.

5. Connect Learning to the Real World: Help your child see the practical applications of what they're learning. For instance, involve them in cooking to teach maths and science concepts, or go on nature walks to explore biology and ecology. Showing how learning connects to everyday life can make it more meaningful.

6. Provide a Variety of Learning Experiences: Expose your child to a diverse range of learning experiences, such as visits to museums, science centres, historical sites, and cultural events. Exposure to different subjects and fields can spark new interests and expand their horizons. Whilst being consistent has its values this is about putting variety into their thinking processes.

 Remember, the key is to create a positive and supportive atmosphere that encourages your child to explore, discover, and enjoy the process of learning. Be patient, flexible and adaptable to your child's learning style. Always be ready to celebrate their achievements and efforts, no matter how small. Don’t be surprised when they come up with strange and wonderful ideas. Let all that flow into creativity and a love for learning. Finally don’t worry about mistakes being made. We all learn best from our mistakes. Here we grow!

‘Learning is a pure journey of discovery.’

                                                            -Gail Smith

What really makes a great school

We all want the best for our children’s education. We trust and feel safe in our schools and put our faith in their policies and philosophies. This is natural but also important so that the school feels supported and reassured that they are on the right track.

Here are some thoughts on what makes a great school. Keep in mind that all schools will present differently and as a parent, you need to reflect on how your child’s school is best serving the needs of your child. The best advice I can give is to always check in with the school when you have doubts or questions. They should be there to listen and to take your concerns on board seriously.

1. Engaging Teachers: Great schools are proud to have a team of dedicated educators who prioritise a child's growth and well-being, creating a dynamic and nurturing learning environment. The school staff in a dynamic school have an important mission in working together, planning together and above all connecting to the students.

2. Creative Learning: Schools should encourage creativity and this should be celebrated in various ways. Children should experience hands-on projects and artistic endeavours that inspire imaginative thinking and self-expression. As such their learning continues to expand and grow rapidly.

3. Inclusive Community: Fostering an inclusive and diverse community where every child is valued and respected is a key component of a great school. Here children can be themselves and be valued for all their contributions big and small.

4. Adventures in Learning: A great school values exciting educational journeys! They believe in making learning an adventure, with engaging field trips and themed activities that ignite curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. School is not all about the classroom.

5. Technology with Purpose: Embrace the digital era with confidence and hope. Great schools thoughtfully integrate technology into lessons, equipping children with essential skills while ensuring a safe and responsible online experience. Also, they actively engage parents in learning about online safety.

6. Healthy Habits: A great school sees well-being as a priority. It promotes healthy lifestyles through balanced meals, physical activities, and wellness programs that lay the foundation for lifelong health. Emotional health is a key component of their work with children and it should be present in all aspects of a teacher’s work.

7. Open Communication: Great schools inform parents well and offer opportunities for their involvement. Such a school values transparent communication, ensuring parents are always up-to-date on their child's progress and actively engaged in their educational journey.

8. Joyful Memories: A school that stands out is a treasure trove of heartwarming moments and lasting friendships. Here, children will create beautiful memories in an environment filled with laughter, camaraderie, and meaningful experiences.

Enjoy those school years with your child. They go quickly and together you can share some very happy memories where learning together brings joy to all the family.

‘Education is the passport to future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today’                                                                      

                                                                      -malcolm X

Tips for busy parents who need to keep in touch with the school

Sometimes it just gets too hard. Being the best parents and keeping in touch with school can get complicated. Here are some tips that can make the connection between school and home a little easier and ensure that you don’t miss out on what is important. Also, it is wonderful that your child sees your continued interest in their school and the more you engage with their learning, the better the learning process for them.

• Establish Regular Communication with Teachers: Maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers through emails, phone calls, or parent-teacher conferences. Ensure that you keep up this contact and let your child know how important it is to you.

For example: Mum sends a brief email to her child's teacher every few weeks to check on her progress and any areas that may need extra attention.

• Join Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) or Parent Groups: Participate in school activities and parent groups to stay informed about school events and get involved in decision-making. The more you know about school, the better conversations you have with your child.

For example: One parent becomes an active member of the PTA and regularly attends meetings to contribute to school improvement initiatives.

• Attend School Events: Make an effort to attend school events, such as sports meets, talent shows, and parent workshops, to connect with the school community and show support for your child.

For example: Parents attend their child's soccer game on the weekend and cheer him on from the sidelines. Such events are great for boosting their morale.

• Volunteer at School: Offer your time and skills by volunteering at the school library, helping with field trips, or assisting during special events.

For example: Mum volunteers to chaperone her child's class on a field trip to the local museum, engaging with other students and fostering a positive learning environment.

• Use School Apps and Portals: Stay updated with school announcements, assignments, and progress reports through school apps or online portals.

For example: Dad regularly checks the school's app to receive notifications about upcoming exams, project deadlines, and school closures.

• Create a Family Homework Routine: Establish a consistent homework routine at home, ensuring your child completes assignments and studies effectively. Provide a well-lit environment for them to do their homework.

For example: Every weekday evening, the family sets aside a specific time for homework. Parents take turns helping their children with assignments while promoting a distraction-free environment.

• Set Up a Parent-Child Journal: Maintain a journal where your child can share their school experiences and feelings, allowing you to understand their academic and social life better.

For example: Mum and her child have a shared journal where they write letters to each other, providing a safe space for the child to express their thoughts and concerns about school.

• Attend Parent Workshops: Participate in workshops organised by the school to gain insights into parenting techniques, academic support strategies, and an understanding of the curriculum.

For example: Both parents attend a workshop on effective study habits, implementing the learned techniques to support their child's learning at home. The more you know how to help them the easier the learning process.

These ideas aim to help busy parents foster an ongoing, strong connection with their child's school and education. By being actively involved and engaged, parents can positively impact their child's academic journey.  This will also make your child more confident in themselves. Parents can also feel more at peace that they are making healthy and constructive connections to their child’s school.

‘The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.’                                                                                                         -Goethe

Six ideas to help children focus on learning rather than just completing work

1. Encourage Curiosity: Be spontaneous and look for occasions to be curious. Foster a sense of curiosity and exploration in your child. Encourage them to ask questions, seek answers, and dig deeper into topics that interest them. For example, if your child is learning about space, you can encourage them to research and discover more about specific planets or space missions.

2. Promote Project-Based Learning: Encourage your child to engage in project-based learning, where they can apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios. The more they engage in real life activities the quicker they learn. This can involve working on hands-on projects, conducting experiments, or creating presentations. For instance, if your child is learning about endangered animals, they could create a poster or a short video highlighting the importance of conservation. Help them with ideas and share in their work.

3. Connect Learning to Real Life: Help your child understand how what they are learning in school is relevant to their everyday life. If they are learning about fractions, you can involve them in cooking or baking activities where they need to use fractions to measure ingredients.

4. Encourage Reflection and Discussion: Create opportunities for your child to reflect on what they have learned and engage in discussions regularly.  This can be done through regular conversations about their school day or specific topics they are studying. Ask open-ended questions and listen actively to their responses. For instance, after reading a book, ask them about their favourite part or what they learned from the story. Watching the news together can be a stimulating time to reflect together on wide topics.

5. Incorporate Technology and Educational Resources: Utilise educational apps, online resources, and interactive platforms to enhance your child's learning experience. There are numerous educational websites, interactive games, and educational videos available that can make learning more engaging and interactive. For example, you can use educational apps that provide interactive quizzes or virtual simulations related to their subjects.

6. Foster a Love for Reading: Encourage your child to develop a love for reading by providing access to a variety of books and materials that connect with their interests. Take regular trips to the library, set aside dedicated reading time, and discuss books together. Reading not only enhances their knowledge but also promotes critical thinking and imagination.

You can help your child develop a deeper love for learning and an inquiring approach to life by supporting them in some of the above ways. You are an ideal partner in developing and sharing their love and passion for knowledge.

‘Show your child how passionate you are about learning and watch how that passion rubs off!’

                                                                                  -Gail J Smith

A happy classroom is a healthy place in which to learn

Children learn best when they are happy. We know that their learning involves a medley of cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth to make it all happen. However, the greatest catalyst for stimulating all those factors comes from a happy and emotionally sound classroom environment.

We know that if a child feels secure in these spaces, they are not questioning whether they are liked or valued, they are not looking over their shoulder to see if their peers are questioning what they have to say. Spontaneously and creatively they will question out loud and have a go at all types of problem-solving unafraid that getting something wrong matters. Such a utopia is certainly driven by high-quality teaching and it requires the skill of a teacher to make all children feel safe and welcome.

We know that to be an effective learner in any of those four areas as mentioned, you must be prepared to question, to probe and to feel comfortable to be yourself amongst all the others in the classroom.

Such a classroom is a hive of industry where children lay out their strengths and weaknesses and look to others to support their needs and together everyone collaborates and engages. This culture is a learning environment where success is inevitable.

Utopia you say. To some degree yes, as everyday is not perfect and that in its own right is about finding ways as a class and as an individual student to get better in some way or to simply learn from others. Failure is a natural process accepted in those settings as a legitimate way to learn.

It is always worthwhile checking in with your child about how happy they are in their classroom. No child should feel isolated or use disengaging tactics to survive. A regular check in with your child is helpful and if necessary you can do the following to help your child feel happier and settled at school.

• Always keep regular contact with the teacher. It is most important to let them know when your child is losing a sense of contentment in the classroom.

• Invite your child to write about their day at school. This can be quite revealing as well.

• It is also worthwhile to note if your child talks happily about their day at school. Some children are slow when questioned about their day but occasionally asking; ‘I am wondering what kind of a day you had today.”.. is reasonable.

• Notice if your child is engaging with their friends well. Are they coming home to play etc? Are they regularly mentioning their names in a happy way?

• Is your child showing interest in joining clubs etc. after school? This is often a sign of wanting to be included and of carrying on from engagement in the school day.

• Does your child talk positively about their teachers? When children feel accepted they are often buzzing around what the teacher did that day.

• Is your child quick to get up in the morning and get started for school? Reticent starts to the day can be a sign of feeling anxious about the forthcoming day.

School should be a happy place where a child feels stimulated to learn across those four levels. These include intellectual, emotional, social and physical. There is no one time where there is a complete picture of what is being learnt. There is no one assessment that can tell you everything as it is a gradual evolving exercise built around a strong encouraging environment. As a parent tap into it from time to time to ensure that for your child it is an alive and actively happy place.

‘Give the child a happy learning environment and watch how they    succeed.’

                                                      -Gail J Smith

How to get the best from your child's teacher

Teachers lead a busy, demanding, life and each day presents a range of challenges that can surprise them in so many ways. Being in tune with the teacher and sensitive to the changeable nature of their day can mean that you get the best from your teacher when you want and need a chat with them.

Here are some reflections that might help you plan a more productive time with the teacher.

• Sometimes talking about matters on the hop at the classroom door can be frustrating for you and the teacher. Gauge how busy the teacher is, if you wish to approach them at the beginning or end of the day. Sometimes this can be not the best time to resolve matters. You may leave feeling quite frustrated. Respect the business of that time.

• If you have several matters to discuss, I recommend writing a list. Three points at the most. Make an appointment with the teacher. This way they are better prepared and more relaxed to chat.

• Take care if you have an issue regarding an incident in which your child was involved. Talk as though you appreciate that your child may have some accountability in the issue. There is nothing more frustrating for a teacher when a parent doesn't take a balanced approach. Your teacher is very astute at seeing how your child works and operates around their peers. You want and need an honest appraisal of the situation.

• If you are meeting to talk about concerns, ask about the positive aspects that your teachers see in your child. This is always important for a teacher to talk about the aspects that they really love about their students. This changes the tone of a meeting in a heartbeat.

• Occasional notes to your teacher thanking them for noticeable care of your child goes a long way. You can imagine that many of the parent calls they receive are always about problems.

• Helping in the classroom also creates a positive, more authentic relationship with your child’s teacher. Here they are prepared to be public with their teaching and your confidentiality and professional approach goes a long way to building relationships.

• Remember that if you have concerns regarding some matter in the classroom always address it to the teacher first, not the Principal. This shows loyalty and trust. Obviously, if the problem is unresolved then you could take it further.

• Try not to write long emails that are all about a concern that has unsettled you. These can be quite frustrating to teachers and if written late at night, a teacher can find them quite intrusive and in some cases intimidating. If unsettled about something, deal with it in the morning and make that appointment. Sometimes waiting some time can get you to reflect more reasonably on what is best to talk about. Angry emails only complicate the situation.

Teachers spend an amazing amount of time with your child throughout the year. It is a privileged position and gives an amazing insight into your child. Trust what they have to say and support their work throughout the year. In this way, your child and yourself will get the very best from their school experience.

         ‘Your children need your presence more than your presents.

                                                                               -Jesse Jackson.

9 ideas to get the term off to a good start

Term two begins in school with a whole different feel. By now there is a general expectation that relationships have formed in the classroom and that children have a good understanding of where they sit with their teacher. Not to say that this is still a work in progress and children need to feel secure and valued over the school year. Sometimes, with more vulnerable children, that can take some time to develop.

1. Routines should be well set up at home. This should especially apply to before-school routines and homework patterns. Providing such an order does keep children busy and focused. This reduces small anxieties about school that can creep up, particularly in the morning.

2. Every now and then check in with your child that they are keeping in touch with their teacher. A measure of this is usually that they talk about them at home. If you have concerns, talk to your child and follow up with the teacher. They need to be kept in the loop.

3. Routines are well underway in a classroom. Children know the routines, the regular test patterns and the extras that are built into the day. Chat about how their day works. This shows interest and that you have up-to-date information.

4. The teacher will have set expectations of how the children should work by now. It is important that your child understands and is in the swing of following the routines of the school day. A chat at home is also helpful here.

5. Sometimes, with younger children, fatigue can set in and occasionally you may hear ‘I don’t want to go to school.’ Sometimes it comes in the form of stomach aches etc. Here it is important to be strong and keep up with regular school attendance. Research shows that more and more absences from school becomes a habit and has a significant impact on learning.

6. Try to keep up with parent nights, sports days etc. I know the year gets complicated but your continual, ongoing presence in their school life, keeps their optimism up for the year. It can wain once the weather gets colder and days darker.

7. As the winter sets in and the children seem less engaged, maybe this could be the time to throw in some treats or simply reduce duties etc. A little lighter period on everyone can ease the winter blues.

8. Keep up the important family rituals such as having meals together. Such regularity helps everyone feel consistently connected and necessary.

9. Bedtime rituals are important as the year rolls on. Children enjoy that time to often disclose concerns or simply feel connected in a special way to their parents.

Finally, the school year can be challenging for some children. It can also put undue strain on a family that is busy and has a range of expectations. As a parent, keeping the happy momentum is what it is all about. This may need some adjustment and maybe adaptation from time to time. It may also require that you check in with your own needs across the year. Your mental health has a direct impact on the well-being of your children.

         ‘One way to keep up the momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.’

 -Michael Korda

Parent involvement reaps all the benefits

No doubt about it, when parents are actively involved and interested in their child’s learning, the child has an optimal chance of being successful at school.

When your child feels that their school life is connected to their home life and that parents enjoy and participate where possible, great expectations are the order of the day.

Here are some of the outcomes when parents show interest in their child’s schooling:

• A child will have a more positive attitude to their work when they know that parents are interested in what they are learning. This becomes a normal part of home life, talking about the activities and discussions held at school.

• Reading accelerates early when parents engage with them in reading at home. Keep books visible around the house and demonstrate to your child that reading is a natural family experience across the week.

• Parents interested in their child’s learning are always keen to be around at homework time. They understand that there are expectations set by the school and their support makes it easier for children to fall into the routine of doing homework.

• Interested parents are naturally encouraging their children in the whole learning process. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these children are developing an interest in learning and higher education.

• A parent involved in their child’s education also gains some joy from learning new ways and being part of the bigger life of the school. There is nothing more enriching than a school community in full swing.

• When school problems appear, engaged parents are quick to respond and given their insightfulness, problems can be solved more quickly and with less interference.

• Parents engaged with the school build a strong relationship with the teachers. This makes such a difference when issues occur. Teachers are more at ease with interested parents. They feel very comfortable talking to them.

• Talking about school regularly as a family builds a happy image of the paramount importance of school in the life of the child and family.

• A great way to support your child’s learning is to set an example by reading, writing and engaging in other learning activities. Children then see how you value the learning process for yourself.

• A parent is involved when they develop a communication style that invites questions, enjoys problem-solving and having open conversations. The more you show an inquisitive style to a conversation and invite alternative solutions to problems, the more you are teaching your child to think laterally and become a problem solver.

• Proudly boast your child’s school work by having pieces on display around the house. This shows your approval and praise of their work.

• Children who get support from parents do feel more competent at learning. Parent support gives them this boost. It also keeps their interest in attending school regularly.

• When parents show interest the child is happier and their morale is high. This affects their whole disposition to school. They are more inclined to be interested in engaging in more activities.

• Teaching children to value education and is solidified if parents are actively interested in their child’s learning.

Finally, enjoy the journey. You will learn so much from being an active participant in your child’s learning. Nothing is ever lost from exposure to learning and your child will feel more secure knowing that you are walking the path with them.

                          ‘If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.’

-Milton Berle

At what age should a child start at school?

This is always a serious question that parents ask and it does require some thought and primarily, an understanding of your child. I have seen many children start school far too early and this will bring some concerns that can have an impact on the child’s happiness level and sense of feeling connected and successful.

Here are some thoughts to get you thinking about the suitability of school for your child:

• If your child is age appropriate to go to school, generally this will give them the maturity to cope, especially with the prep year. Talk to your kinder teacher who would have an excellent understanding of their readiness.

• Keep in mind that whilst prep is all about getting familiar with the teacher and class, by the end of term one, teachers are working hard to get the children on the reading continuum. It would be fair to say that this can cause some concern for children who take longer. As the year progresses, there is marked acceleration with a prep class and the expectations will rise as the year progresses. Such acceleration is often driven by the excited preps who are doing well, converse easily and socialise well.

• Is your child developing language skills and some mathematical vocabulary? This is a positive sign when they comfortably can demonstrate such developing skills. Kindergarten focuses on number facts and language skills.

• As a family, are you ready for your child to start school? Think about support networks for the child. Is the home set up to enable the child to read at home and do school activities? At home is the child developing independent skills? Do they dress themselves, toilet properly and have some independent chores? The home and family settings should both show signs of readiness for school.

• Socially, your child should and will form friends over time. This can be an easy experience for some, but less mature children are often not ready to engage, converse and interact at a level that is of a faster pace.

• Remember that once your child starts school, the likelihood of repeating a year, if you believe that they need it, is strongly discouraged in schools. They will argue that it will interfere with their social world and give the child a sense of failure. Repeating a class has been done occasionally and in many cases, the child moves schools to make it more socially comfortable for them. It can be done successfully, but needs careful management and support from the school and parents.

• The prep year is a long year for your child. They will need to be prepared to be able to learn the routine, sustain a whole day of curriculum and keep up socially with the life of the school as it unfolds for them. Emotional regulation is important as many challenges appear across the school day.

• In prep, there is a high expectation from the teacher that you have a strong presence. They will invite you into various classroom activities and set expectations that you may help in the classroom. Once your child is at school, your world will change as you become an active participant in their learning and daily expectations.

• If your child is going to school in the new year, talk about the school, visit it with your child, drive past it regularly and chat about the exciting journey they will have. Which is excellent preparation work for their transition to school.

• Prep teachers are chosen with great care and consideration for the age of the children. You should feel very comfortable approaching your child’s prep teacher throughout the year. It is also important that your child sees you having a relationship with the teacher. This is all about building trust which is so important to your child.

Finally, a prep year starts with great excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead. Your child will mould themselves into the prep year. There will be some anxiety about making it successful. The best opportunities come when they are receptive to what is offered, are able to emotionally engage with the journey of friends and success and feel that they are in an environment that makes their parent’s happy. Your role in acceptance and participation in their prep year is critical for success. Their readiness for school will be linked to your preparedness to have your child at school.

         ‘Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.’

                                             -Nora Ephron

10 strategies to get the best from school as the year begins

Now that your child has started school, think about what we control and what we don’t. There will be many challenges for your child in the classroom but they are their challenges and we simply listen and encourage them through the process.

1. You will have many pressures on you as the year progresses. You can start to say ‘no’ so that you scrutinise what you are doing. This will give more time identify what is important in the family and with your child. Start discerning what is really important so that you can unclutter your time.

2. Your child is back at school. Make everyday a learning day. Listen to what they tell you after school and enjoy all the new learning that comes their way. Be excited and interested in what new aspects of school life they have discovered.

3. When you talk to your child about school days, keep in mind that their world is to be owned by them. Be an active listener and not invasive in helping them solve their problems. Be a consultant and listen with interest.

4. Keep up healthy morning rituals to get the children up and running. A strong, consistent morning routine helps them stay focused and get to school with the least distraction. This is especially important for the more anxious child.

5. Don’t be angry in the mornings. Make them a happy, stable space for the child in getting ready for school. They need to go to school in a happy disposition. Otherwise, a child will only contemplate that angry feeling over the day, which will limit their opportunities.

6. Try to keep insignificant matters down to a minimum. There is much to absorb when school starts and the more insignificance we bring into our time, the less we focus on the important things. Keep things simple and uncomplicated.

7. Be careful not to dive into saying things that could be best left unsaid. You will hear much from your child when they come home each day. Listen and process the information. Pause and think before you have an opinion. They will pick up your judgement very quickly.

8. As the weeks and the year unfolds, you will learn much about the class, teachers, etc. you may change your opinion over time. Take care not to be too opinionated early in the year. Your child needs to make their own judgements and learn from that experience.

9. Concentrate on the present situation at school. Try not to worry about future issues that may occur. What is surprising, is the twist and turns that happen over a school year. Much is unpredictable and we cannot plan for it. Just enjoy the moments as your child finds their way through the first few weeks of school. Everything is a discovery.

10. When you hear some negative talk, try to give the school the benefit of the doubt. Schools work very hard to build strong foundations with parents and often what you hear may not be the truth. Your child needs to feel that you trust and have faith in their school. This gives them the reassurance they need every day. Let the school year be a growing time for your child with all the optimism and hope that it can possibly carry for the year.

‘Optimism isn’t a belief that things will automatically get better, it’s a conviction that we can make things better.’

-Melinda Gates

A few thoughts about what your child wants from school this year

School is such an immense part of a child’s life as well as having a major impact on the whole family. Of course we expect it to be a time that fulfils many objectives including stimulating a child’s imagination and developing a love for learning. We have high expectations when our child steps into the school and we trust that the environment will be a good fit for our child.

What make a child happy when at school? This is important as we now happy students are motivated students.

• They need and want to be an active participant in class. This gives them credibility and a feeling of inclusion.

• A busy school with plenty of activities excites and stimulates a child to become actively involved. Schools should not be docile places.

• Every child needs to feel appreciated, to regularly have affirmation and acknowledgement for their efforts. No one copes well without feeling that they are capable of success and that they are recognised for their efforts by others that they value.

• Regular success feeds the desire to keep learning. A school that focuses on success is a winner.

• A child needs to be in relationship with other children. Developing friendships is critical to a child. Their social world is such an important part of their emotional growth. In a school setting, a child can have a powerful journey in building relationships over the years.

Here are some basic thoughts to aid and abet your child getting the best from school this year:

•      Listen well to what they have to say

•      Be available which may mean adjusting your busy schedule.

•      Be a parent and not a friend which at times may take you in a different direction.

•      Let them take ownership as much as possible independence is key to better learning.

• Talk about school regularly and postively so that it comfortably intertwines with family life.

• Remember that it is their school and their journey, which means at times you may need to step back and let them work through issues themselves.

• Read everything that comes home from school and talk about all the activities available. Show as much interest as you can in what your child is doing at school.

Finally, for your child to be happy and get the best from the school you need to a be a parent that presents a happy face and shows great pride in all their endeavours.

Good luck family in starting the new school year!

          ‘It’s one of my favourite seasons of the year: back to school.’

                                                                                       -Dana Perino

8 dos and don'ts as your child starts school

This is a busy and exciting time for your child. They are about to be bombarded with a new class environment and all that involves. Now is a time for you to give them some space in the early days of starting school.

Consider these thoughts about a few don'ts at the beginning of the year.

1. Let your child settle in. Try not to ask too many questions especially in the first few weeks where your child is just getting their head around the changes.

2. Don’t set too high expectations so soon into the year. Your child will learn how the dynamics of the classroom works, they are in the early days of forming a relationship with their teacher and this may take some time to solidify.

3. Don’t put excessive demands on them at this stage of the year. They will have new demands on them which will take time to work through in their mind.

4. Have a presence at the school but give them space. They will be busy forming relationship or reacquainting themselves with friends. This can be a sensitive matter for some children.

5. Try to keep the social life of the family to a minimum in the first bracket of the year. Your child will come home from school tired and needing time to reorientate themselves to a new school year. Plenty of sleep and a balanced program is the best.

6. If you have queries about your child’s teachers, classroom situation etc. don’t speak too openly about your concerns to your child. They are forming their own opinions which will ultimately impact on their learning. Talk to your child’s teacher and be discreet about the nature of the conversations. Early opinions can often be wrong.

7. Everyone takes time to come out of holiday mode and into schools and routine. Don’t be too critical if it takes them a little time to reorientate. We all need adjustment time. After all it’s still Summer!

8. Try not to comment on their friendships. These may be changing and your child needs time to sift through all the children that are now part of their circle. Their emotional growth will come from being discerning, making mistakes and learning how to sustain friends. Remember they are not your friends.

 Finally, these first few weeks will not look like the last two weeks even of this term. The classroom environment will evolve over time. Be patient let the grass settle and let your child find their roots in the new environment of school they are embracing for 2023. Teachers always plan term one as being a very flexible term, where they expect the unexpected and begin to build harmonious relationships with the children. All this takes time.

                           ‘Slow and steady wins the race.’

                                                                 -Robert Lloyd

Learning about being responsible

As an adult, we understand why responsibility is such an important part of our makeup. Without it, as an adult, we cannot survive. We learn also over time that different responsibilities come our way and this challenges us in new and sometimes difficult ways. I always remember bringing our first child home from the hospital and thinking, how can I look after this little individual? I don’t have the skills. Fortunately, she survived and I learnt quickly. This is how developing new and challenging responsibilities comes our way.

For a child, it is all about learning that responsibilities are actually important and that this may mean some sacrifice, compromise, etc. It is about learning that responsibilities must be understood and followed through with and there is often regularity to responsibilities. All of these learned traits take a while for children to grasp. I am sure you have had some issues with getting your child to take on and keep up with responsibilities. It just takes time and perseverance.

Teachers will automatically assign responsibilities to their class so that the classroom functions well. They can be rotating duties or they can have a responsibility for the whole year. These responsibilities work well because the child learns that they are accountable to others for their actions.

Here are some thoughts on helping your child learn responsibility.

• Firstly, take care that if you give your child a job, they follow it through. Don’t finish the job for them as this teaches them that responsibilities are not genuine. Show them that it is a satisfying thing to finish a job yourself.

• A child having a pet is a great responsibility and one that cannot be part-time. If you take this on, make sure your child is mature enough to take on this responsibility.

• Talk about all your responsibilities and how you work through them during the week. Maybe there are some that are short term and others, long term, (like being a parent).

• Before your child takes on a responsibility make sure they understand its length and breadth. Often younger children do not have a sense of time and become overwhelmed or disengage earlier. The responsibility should be age appropriate and should have the satisfaction of completion.

• Take care when a child shows an interest in a sport such as tennis lessons, gymnastics etc. can they see the term through, finishing halfway is not honouring the responsibility to the program.

• Always affirm your child when they complete their responsibilities. They need to know that it is a job well done and has impact on others in the family.

• As a family, plan weekly chores and at the end of the week thank your child for their completion. Jobs such as setting the table, putting bins out, putting toys away etc. are all responsibilities that need attention.

• Teaching your child that they own the responsibility is important. They need to know that others rely on their actions and without the job done others are affected. This is why it is important that they complete the task even if it means some inconvenience on your part.

• If a child is irresponsible, try not to be simply angry and disappointed. Sit them down and listen to why they could not complete the task. Give them the opportunity to explain. Perhaps it was too much, perhaps they did not realise its importance etc.

Finally, build into your teaching about the responsibility that if they fail the child learns to blame no one else but comes to accept responsibility themselves. This is quite a mature concept but one to work towards. This is all about building strong foundations in emotional intelligence.

“It is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves. That will make them successful individuals.’

-Ann Landers