4 November 2022

I love the way in which our teachers are so committed to getting the children out and about in nature. Last week, it was overnight in the Orongorongos for many Year 6s and whānau and this week the Juniors went off on their 'tramp' to Centennial Reserve. There are also small hands and larger ones getting covered in dirt doing some planting prep for the Fair too!

The Positive Education Flourish model gets many 'ticks' when we match these experiences against the key domains. New Mental Health Guidelines have also been recently published by the Ministry of Education - it's no secret the benefits of the nature pill in supporting all of us to feel good.

Recently, I read an article, another article, about children and devices. The Growing up in New Zealand study, based on a group of almost 6000 eight year olds, found they were on screens for an average of three hours a day (outside of school). This is a lot - especially if they are on devices during the day as well.

The growing 'digital divide' between children who are becoming digitally competent - using devices at home to support their education - as opposed to the 2/3 who are sitting, passively looking at screens for purely entertainment purposes.

At Primary School, I think we always need to be thinking about children's brain development, to focus on building relationships (with other humans), to give them plenty of time outdoors to support social competence and creativity, to move, to take risks, to learn who they are and how they belong. We also have an obligation to support our children to become digitally competent - using technology to enhance learning.

We take a considered graduated approach here and try and be like Goldilocks and get the porridge just right! It's not simple but, in general, it's a non-event in Autahi, a little in Tautoru and increasing in Māhutonga Matariki - and that's only ever alongside all of the rich curriculum that may not need an on/off button. 20 burpees, a few yoga poses, a walk in the bush..... and technology in moderation. They have a lifetime of ever increasing access to screens of all shapes and sizes ahead.

Next week is the big Fair Build Up - the signs look terrific out and about - simple and eye catching. After so long Fair-less due to the pandemic, the anticipation is revving up and it's going to be TERRIFIC!