‘You Can Do It’ - Term 4

Educational research recognises that the social and emotional development of students is just as important as their academic development. “Non-cognitive aspects of students development, including their attitudes, values and a range of social and emotional capabilities, strongly influence their achievement, happiness and relationships” (Providing All Children With Foundations, page xi M.E Bernard 2007). All Prep to Year 5 students at Pacific complete the ‘You Can Do It’ program and will be focusing on developing confidence this term.

Confidence means not being afraid to make mistakes, standing up tall and speaking with a loud voice. Even in the face of adversity, confident people do not look upon themselves as failures. Examples of confident behaviour include:

• Raising hands to answer or ask questions in class;
• Accepting oneself and not thinking badly about yourself when you make a mistake;
• Being independent; and
• Saying ‘I can do something’ instead of ‘I can’t’.

Parents can support and develop confidence in their children by always encouraging effort and independence. Some simple ways to encourage independence could be allowing your child to walk from the car to their classrooms unattended and letting them carry their own school bags. Communication is also fundamental to developing confidence in children. Explain to your child that everyone has the choice to be an optimist (predict success) or a pessimist (predicts failure) and it is how we think that dictates how we act. When a child acts confidently, give praise.

Further resources can be found on the You Can Do It Positive Parenting website at: http://www.youcandoitparents.com/. The site contains practical and informative ideas for parents to help their children develop confidence, persistence, resilience, organisational skills and the ability to get along with others.

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5