On developing resilience in children

We have now come to the end of an excellent teaching term; the children have had their heads down from day one. I have spent time visiting many classrooms and the quality of the children’s work is outstanding, so also is their enthusiasm.  The quantity that they have produced is pretty amazing too!

Over the term we have been practicing resilience and courage, they go hand in hand.  I asked the children about this at the Assembly last Monday, and they had a very good understanding of what resilience is.  One child spoke of not getting into the PISA team this term.  She was quite disappointed but decided to think of good things that had happened to her, not the negative things, and she was able to move on.  Another child spoke of not getting the Shakespeare part she wanted.  She was also disappointed but when she considered it, it wasn t such a big thing. She had been lucky enough to get the part she wanted in the previous year and thought it fair that someone else got the part that they wanted. 

Shakespeare and PISA are quite significant things in the lives and minds of the children. In life we often don t get the part that we want, or think that we should get, and if the children can learn to accept things graciously at an early age it will give them strength when they are older.  They don t learn this overnight, it’s little by little every day.  It’s how we meet our daily situations. Often we can t change the situation but we can decide how we will meet it.  This is what builds strength of character in the children.

It’s not always easy for us adults to see something from another’s point of view, let alone asking the children to do so. However, if the children are taught to try to see something from someone else’s point of view, it expands their horizons to encompass a larger picture, and teaches them care, consideration and compassion for others. 

I wish you all the best for the holidays, may they be restful and happy.

Mary McKendrick
Headmistress