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Cultivating Curiosity in Kids
Wondrous is the curiosity of a child who is enamoured by nature to ponder the colour and texture of a shell and raise it to the ear to hear the melody of the ocean in its depths. This curiosity leads to analysis, to caress and hold a flower, thus discovering the parts that make it whole. Finally, the delight to trace the curves and capture the change in hue of a natural object to reflect its structure and beauty as a way of remembering this moment of discovery of the natural world. A rich experience is shared when a child is given the opportunity to engage their curiosity to discover the natural world around them. This curiosity is the driver of learning.
I really enjoyed my fishing time last weekend. I wandered out into the water and fished an incoming tide. The incoming water brought with it lots of small fish, crabs, some banjo rays and a couple of eagle rays. I watched as the small channel changed. How the weed changed which way it was leaning and how the birds changed from foraging in the shallows to flying around and fishing. It occurred to me how rarely I stop and immerse myself in my environment. It brought to mind an article I read several years ago from an educator who raised his concerns about how our children are experiencing literature. He argued that we are at risk of raising a generation of children who do not get to dive deeply into the literary experience. If something doesn’t grab them in the first 10 or 20 seconds, they want to click next and move to the next site or page, or even video. He used the analogy that where we were once trying to develop scuba divers, in a literary sense, but instead we are now ending up with Jet Ski riders. In other words, rather than readers who want to dive deeply into a book, they skim across the surface and then move on to something else that catches their attention.
I don’t think we can blame our children for this. Have you ever tried to read something on your computer, ipad or phone? There are notifications, pop ups and messages coming in regularly, that make it hard to concentrate and delve deeply into what is before you. It is important that we give our children (and ourselves) the skills they need to focus and be comfortable with stillness and thought. I read an article recently that gives some practical suggestions for doing this. I hope you find it helpful.
“It can be difficult for some children to stay focused and pay attention (how many adults are struggling with this, too?...)
Our children are constantly doing something. So to develop the skill of focusing and paying attention to one thing, they need to practice just being and observing.
How do we help our children develop the ability to just be, listen to the silence, and relax?
Create a "sit spot" for your child.
A "sit spot" is a spot outside where they can sit and observe. Give them a journal and pencils. Their task would be to sit and look around and draw pictures of what they see or think about.
Older kids can also write about things they see, hear, or think about.
Initially, you can do it together with your child. Sit with them and say “Let's be quiet for a bit. What can you hear? What can you see?....” and go through all the senses.
Then explain that when we're always so busy doing something or talking, we miss those things they've just noticed.
Another thing you can try is to sit together facing away from each other. When time is up you can turn and face each other to share your drawings or writings.
As your child practices sitting on their sit spot, they will get better at paying attention and focusing.” (Eidens,2021)
Have a great week with your kids and find some time to begin practicing being still.
Mark B
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46: 10
WOW What A Finale!
Friday, the 26th of February, was the conclusion to our Week of Worship (WOW) program at Prescott Primary Northern.
200 people attended the program and Pastor Roland wrapped up our WOW with the story of Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. At the conclusion of the program everyone joined together for a delicious dinner of Nachos and salad, served from the school canteen.
WOW Program Friday Night
Families enjoying the free dinner while connecting on the school oval.
Friday 26th March – GAMES NIGHT & DINNER
If you missed our last program and dinner at the conclusion of our WOW, we have another ‘CONNECT 4’ event scheduled for Friday 26th March from 5:45pm - 7:30pm. We will be hosting a kids and families games night. The evening will provide an opportunity to have some fun together and connect as a school community. A complementary dinner will be served to all those students and families who book in.
Due to COVID19, it is essential that families book in for the dinner and games via the QR code or the SMS link – these will be sent out shortly.
Everyone is welcome, so bring your extended family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!
Chaplain Phil
Personal and Social Progress Reports - Term 1
Our Term 1 Reports will look slightly different this year. Our families will still receive a report in Week 9 of this term for their student, but the focus of this report will be personal and social progress. Our staff will use these reports to communicate with parents how their child is settling into their new school year. You will receive a message from the school in Week 9 when these are available on SEQTA.
Parent Teacher Interviews 2021
In the past, our Parent Teacher Interviews have run at the end of Term 2 once Mid Year Reports have been sent home. This year, we are bringing this interview process forward to the beginning of Term 2. Our teachers would love the opportunity to connect with our families to discuss their child's learning journey so far and work together to establish goals for the remainder of the year. Parent Teacher Interviews will run on Tuesday afternoon, the 4th of May from 4:00pm onwards, and Wednesday half day, the 5th of May, from 1:15pm onwards. This will mean our students will have a half day on the 5th of May, finishing school at 12:45pm. Please plan for this accordingly. Parents will be able to book into these sessions at the beginning of Term 2, following steps that will be emailed out once bookings are available.
Harmony Week
Do's & Dont's of Dropping Your Kids to School
Uniform Shop
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have run out of some sizes in the New Sport Uniform. We will notify you as soon as it is available.
Until then, your child is exempt to wear the Old Sport Uniform.
Parents can start making appointments for fittings for the Winter Uniform through the Front Office. Appointments will start from 2nd March and will be for ½ hour.
Entertainment Books
Daily Health Check
Prescott College
OSHC School Holiday Program
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