Young children are naturally curious and resilient. They enjoy watching their lego tower fall to the ground as toddlers and we have most likely all seen joy and anticipation as they remove the case from a fragile sandcastle not sure if it is going to stand tall or not. As children start school this curiosity and natural ability to learn through failing can start to ebb away. By even six years old children are aware of ‘results’ and compare their achievements with others. If we are able to provide safe, fun spaces for children and encourage them to continue to be curious and to learn by making mistakes, their resilience both inside and outside of the classroom is much more likely to be secure. If we remove risk and challenge the result is that children do not have a sense of having achieved for themselves. How then can we build resilience and nurture curiosity in primary aged pupils? A very important ingredient is outdoor play and opportunities for children to play across age groups. If can make learning an adventure both inside and outside of the classroom success will come. Let’s go on an adventure! Extra-curricular activities are also important as these allow children to develop their own talents and interests which often require different skills from those needed in the classroom. Hobbies require some commitment and a sense of seeing something through to an end result whether that be baking, learning a musical instrument or touch rugby. Educational visits and residential trips are key to building confidence and important adventures in themselves. We encourage these at St Catherine’s and build a programme which ensures that children are taking steps to be away from home for one night in Year 3 to four nights away in Year 6. Such experiences may start with a visit to a local farm and culminate in children rock climbing and abseiling. Regardless of the nature of the visit, working with peers in a different context and environment often with different adults too are very valuable experiences. It is also often the case that we observe leadership in children when outside of the classroom and particularly when out of their comfort zone. Again, this can easily then be encouraged back in class when working collaboratively to solve a problem. If there are opportunities to take your child on an adventure this summer, grasp them. Whether that be a day at the seaside, time in the garden or local park or trying a new skill or activity. You will see their courage, curiosity and confidence develop as a result. Naomi Bartholomew Headmistress St Catherine’s Prep School Bramley, Surrey www.stcatherines.info Raring2go! EDUCATION 36
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