Every child is capable of learning; and by learning I mean improvement and achievement beyond current understandings and skill level. The capacity to meet and/or succeed development milestones and achievement standards will vary in time, effort, and support. It is important to discuss this because:
We need you to challenge and encourage your child to always give their best – and this is hard.
We need you to encourage them to give their best. This week I gave a lengthy speech at my school parade (you’re always welcome) on the importance of meeting expectations. I spoke of being respectful, responsible and safe so we can be learners. These four expectations underpin our student code of conduct and are the bedrock upon which our aspirational SPARK values system sits. It is our job, and undoubtedly your job, to encourage them to give their best and meet expectations every day.
And here’s something contrary that we know – they won’t always meet them! We know this, I know this, so why do I go on about it?
If we lower our standards we won’t get what was possible – we won’t get their best – we will get what was easy!
So, I’m asking you to follow up and follow through with habits and routines that support your child’s learning and skill and behavioural development. And I ask this while giving the gift of three phrases to help from my broken record catalogue:
“What are you doing? What should you be doing? What will happen when you do?”
“Yet” (Paraphrasing their typical: ‘I can’t do it!’)
“Are you getting closer to finishing / your goal or further away?”
Every child will develop, in their own way and in their own time – if we support them and challenge them to give their best.
Drop Point Outfitters 