Provide structure and routine

Sticking to a schedule helps everyone (that means children AND adults) stay focused. When expectations are set, they’re more likely to be met.

Establish accountability

Having accountability, whether it’s to you, teachers or friends, helps kids realise they’re not alone and gives them a valid reason to work hard. Daily check-ins face to face, or via text or social media can help increase motivation.

Break up the day

It’s easy to stay glued to the computer when there’s work to be done, but frequent breaks are essential. Make sure lunch is eaten away from the screen and learning space, and encourage stretching and moving throughout the day.

Make it a party

We all love having something to look forward to. With limitations on visitors in Greater Sydney, an online celebration — like a virtual class party or Zoom disco — can help build excitement and anticipation during the week.

Show progress

Using a calendar, taking photos each day, or drawing on another visual aid to mark time can help kids see how much they’ve accomplished and how much there’s left to go.

When it comes to online learning, staying organised, maintaining routines and setting expectations are vital. But it’s important to remember that everyone learns differently. To stay motivated, keep having open conversations, find what works, and do more of that.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Will Durant

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A good friend:

• Makes you smile.
• Doesn’t judge you.
• Listens.
• Is kind and respectful to you.
• Is trustworthy and tells you the truth.
• Is great company.

How to make a new friend at school:

At school, you need to get involved with activities you’re interested in. You may join in a handball group at lunchtime or join a sports team or chess club. This is a great way to connect with likeminded people. You will definitely have something to talk about – whether it’s your team’s huge win on the field, or the checkmate you conducted in chess club.

Perhaps on the playground or in class you spot someone sitting on their own. You can walk over and introduce yourself, as this is less intimidating than walking over to a larger group. You can ask to sit with them and strike up a conversation and ask them questions. You may ask what they are interested in or what their favourite subject is. People often like talking about themselves. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself and be the true you.

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”

Elbert Hubbard

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Listen Up: As a parent, show respect by letting your child know they are being heard and that you value their feelings.

Learning to Let Go: In primary school we teach children to make sound decisions, navigate social situations and learn empathy and kindness. In the teenage years we promote freedom in baby steps, and as trust is earned, the more freedom is given.

Limits are OK: Simply saying yes or no won’t cut it, but offering an explanation is an important part in communicating.

Values: Children copy what they see, so lead by example. Show gratitude, kindness and patience, and your children will follow.

Find Ways to Connect: You can build Lego with a child of eight, but driving lessons or movie trips are perhaps better ways to build a bond with your teen. The stronger the connection, the more likely you can influence them in a positive way during those teenage years.

“The most precious jewels you’ll every have around your neck are the arms of your children.”

Unknown

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Have you ever wondered what to put in your child’s lunchbox?

• Choose a wholegrain bread, rice or pasta as it keeps children fuller for longer.
• Try wraps, pita or Turkish bread for variety.
• Fillings can vary from a variety of cold meats, such as turkey, chicken, ham or tuna to dipping foods such as guacamole, hommus or taramosalata.
• Remember the nutritious veggies such as carrot sticks, cucumbers, celery and capsicum.
• Always add salad to sandwiches.

When choosing a lunchbox there are a few things to consider:

BPA Free – so it is safe to store food inside
Sections – separate spaces for different foods
Size – one lid and it should fit easily in a school bag
Perfect Seal – to keep food fresh
Ice Brick – to keep food fresh, especially in the warmer months
Reusable – dishwasher safe.

Top tip: Avoid plastic wrapping such as zip lock bags to protect the environment and reduce waste.

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Anxious or fearful behaviour is quite common in children particularly when they encounter a new experience or situation. Whilst most children learn to cope with fear and worries some children need strategies and support to cope.

Often our instincts as adults is to jump in a solve the problem. For instance, if your child is afraid of cats, you move them away. However, it is best to use this moment to develop coping skills for anxiety. Whether it is a new puppy dog or climbing the high ropes……

1. Slow down and breathe
2. Encourage positive thinking
3. Have a go.
4. Model first
5. Help your child take control
6. Reassure – it’s ok to be scared but be brave.

Anxiety with Exams
It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety or nervous energy when faced with a test or exam but you can reduce test anxiety by….

• Be well prepared
• Plan your study and review work (a few days or weeks)
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Exercise to reduce stress
• Sleep well the night before
• If you don’t understand what to do – ask to have it explained
• Skim through test to set the pace
• Complete simple questions first and go back to the hard ones
• Stay focused

 
Joanna Staikos
Director & Founder

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BLUE is calming and is also thought to stimulate productivity, which is an ideal colour for your place to study.

GREEN is also a cool colour that makes the room feel tranquil and energising with the right shade.

Remember colour is inherent in everything we see and do. It can influence our emotions, productivity, communication and learning. Turquoise, cedar green, or any similar colour emanates a relaxed vibe for learning and studying whilst promoting a sense of enjoyment. A touch of peachy hues can also increase alertness!

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Summer holidays are almost here! Ensure kids have time to relax and rejuvenate. You can achieve this by giving your child free time to engage in activities they enjoy, both in and outdoors.

2.    Reflect

Your child has worked hard all year. It’s important to reflect on experiences that were successful, but it’s also essential to build a positive mindset around times of failure. The outcome itself is not as important as the journey we take in building resilience.

3.    Set Goals

When setting goals with your child, ensure you focus more on developing skills rather than achieving an outcome. Help them identify areas they’d like to improve, and work out a plan of action together.

4.    Have Fun

Whether you chill out at home in your pyjamas or head to the beach with family and friends, remember time is precious. Enjoy every moment. You can spark imagination by pitching a tent in the backyard, visiting a gallery or museum, making a treasure hunt, playing water games, going for a bike ride, or having an adventure. You might like to play photographer for a day, host a craft afternoon, or invent your own board game. Imagination has no limits!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Year filled with love, health and happiness.

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