At Churchlands Primary, we are learning how to be active participants in our learning and respectful members of our school community. This fortnight, our PBS focus is “We use active listening” and “We are open to trying new things.”
How You Can Support at Home:
Encourage active listening:
Ask your child to repeat back what they’ve heard to check understanding. Praise them when they listen carefully and respond thoughtfully.
Talk about trying new things:
Share a time when you tried something new, even if it didn’t go perfectly. Reinforce that being open to new experiences helps us grow and learn.
Model curiosity and respect:
Show how you listen attentively to others and approach new tasks or ideas with a positive attitude.
Celebrate effort and courage:
Focus on the bravery it takes to try something unfamiliar. Praise your child for giving things a go, even if they feel unsure.
Home Activities to Support Active Listening and Openness to New Experiences:
- “Simon Says” Listening Game
Play a fun game of Simon Says to practise listening carefully and responding accurately.
- New Experience Challenge
Encourage your child to try something new, like a food, activity, or hobby and talk about how it felt.
- Listening Walk
Go for a walk and take turns pointing out sounds you hear. Reflect on how listening helps us notice and learn.
- Role Play Scenarios
Act out situations where listening and trying new things are important.
Example: “You’re learning a new game, how do you listen to the rules?”
Or: “You’re nervous to try a new sport, what can you do to give it a go?”
- Praise Listening and Courage
Catch your child in the moment:
“I noticed you listened carefully to the instructions, great job!”
“You gave that new activity a try even though it was tricky, that’s brave!”