5 Ways to Improve Young Children’s Decision-Making
Childhood is a time filled with enjoyment and discovery, at least when we’re unburdened by the sometimes stressful realities around us. Few things characterise what childhood represents better than learning to make choices and how they cause consequences, from eating a delicious handful of dirt as an infant, to becoming the ‘class clown’ in high school. It is crucial […]
Can Social and Emotional Learning Be Taught Using Technology?
Technology Literacy Is On The Rise! Research shows children aged 8-11 are active social network users – 78% of eight to nine year olds and 92% of 10-11 year olds have used a social networking site. Social networking websites, once confined to the dorm rooms of U.S colleges, are extremely popular with our younger generations. Some […]
What You Need to Know About the New Australian Wellbeing Framework
Helping students reach their full potential has been a perennial challenge of educators and parents alike, with many different factors at play and a growing understanding of how to address these challenges. A key aspect to this potential being fulfilled is understanding and improving the status of student’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing. One study showed that 1 […]
IQ vs EQ: Why Do We Need Both?
The notion of success has most strongly been linked to general or academic intelligence (IQ) throughout history. However, over the past decade or so, there has been an increased awareness of emotional intelligence (EQ) with some researchers claiming its utility in forming behaviour and relationship management techniques. It has been found that these skills are crucial determinants […]
Taming Your Brain: Emotional Regulation Through Mindfulness
Research from Harvard suggests that mindfulness exercises such as meditation, breathing and relaxation can have significant physiological benefits such as decreased risk of hypertension and reduced inflammation. This study builds upon what we already know about mindfulness exercises and their impact on reducing stress and anxiety. For many, these benefits come as no huge surprise, however the hard part […]
Skills For 21st Century Learners & Why They’re Important
We see that trends in technology, education and the economy are moving towards automation. This change in the world of work means it is crucial to prepare younger generations now, and in the near future with the tools to thrive in an ever-changing world. One report published by Dell Technologies and authored by the Institute For […]
21st Century Learning Skills + Wellbeing: Educator Masterclass – Key Takeouts
It’s no secret that corporations and government organisations spend a lot of time and money on personal and interpersonal skill development for their employees, with evidence showing productivity increases, improved job satisfaction, wellbeing and overall working environment. These organisations are aware of the significant improvements possible for their employees and also their bottom line, but what about those […]
Why R U OK? Day Should Matter In Your School Community
“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” – Brené Brown I think this statement is a perfect way to help us understand the ideas behind R U OK? DAY which happens every year on September 12th. It was created as a way to bring awareness and drive conversations around mental illness and suicide […]
3 Strategies To Improve Your Child’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
It’s almost October – a month which holds an extremely significant day in the global calendar. The WHO recognises the 10th day of the month as World Mental Health Day. In Australia, this is an active, month-long campaign created by Wayahead, to combat the ever-present issues facing Australians young and old today. One in fourteen young Australians (6.9%) aged […]
7 Practical Tips for More Resilient Children
Resilience is becoming increasingly talked about as it becomes clearer that our kids are having difficulties ‘coping’ with everyday life and the mental health statistics are spiralling dangerously upwards. Improving children’s resilience is an effective way to help them manage life’s inevitable peaks and troughs, keeping them mentally well and able to thrive in their lives. What […]