Especean

Junior School

Sleep Routines

As the reality of another busy term has now set in for many students, it is important to ensure that our boys are not ‘burning the candle at both ends.’ Each morning, I often see students trudge through the gates looking exhausted before their day has even commenced! I am very aware that many students lead busy lives outside of school hours, but the need for good quality sleep is essential for the boys to be at their best each day. Adequate sleep is crucial for the development and wellbeing of primary school-aged children. Studies have shown that children who get enough sleep are more alert, have better memory and attention, and are better able to concentrate and learn. In fact, a good night's sleep has been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning, which can assist in improving a child's overall academic performance as well as their general wellbeing.

 

Research has shown that poor levels of sleep can also negatively affect a child's mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, and difficulty with emotional regulation. For school-aged children who are still in the process of developing critical cognitive and social skills, getting adequate sleep is essential for their growth and success both within and outside of the classroom. Therefore, parents/carers are encouraged to prioritise establishing consistent bedtime routines and ensuring that children get the recommended amount of sleep (at least nine hours per night) for their age. Below are some tips and strategies you might like to implement at home with your son/s to assist with this.

  1. Consistency - establish a consistent bedtime routine that occurs at the same time each night. This can help to regulate a child's circadian rhythms and promote better sleep.
  2. Wind-down time - start the bedtime routine with a calming activity, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music. This can also help signal to the child's body and mind that it's time to relax and prepare for sleep.
  3. Limit screens - avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted by electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns.
  4. Create a sleep-conducive environment - make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, with comfortable bedding and pillows.
  5. Regular wake-up time - establishing a regular wake-up time can also help to regulate a child's circadian rhythms and promote better sleep. Visual timetables are a great way of helping with the morning routine if you find your son can be a little tricky to get moving!

As a staff, we completely understand that life happens and there are birthday dinners, celebrations and other events which can occasionally lead to a late night during the week. However, we have found that an inconsistent routine and sleep time is far more likely to have a negative impact on your son's mood and his ability to focus throughout the following day at school. 

ChatGPT

Although no longer new, I have avoided writing about ChatGPT up to this point in time as the College has already communicated with families about this artificial intelligence. However, a recent conversation I overheard in passing on the playground between two Junior School boys about using ChatGPT to ‘assist’ with homework prompted me to address this technology.

 

There is little point in wasting time trying to think of ways to ban or block this platform. The advent of new technology often brings equal parts wonder and fear, but its potential is enormous and as educators, we are still imagining how we can use it effectively for our teaching, for meeting individual needs, and in our purposeful endeavour to prepare our boys for the future they will inhabit.

 

So, I decided to ask ChatGPT the following question:

 

What are the skills, characteristics, mindsets, and attributes that will be important for humans in a world with prolific AI? 

 

The answer it produced in a matter of seconds is pasted below:

 

Adaptability: The rapid pace of technological change and the increasing use of AI will likely require individuals to be able to adapt to new technologies and work processes quickly.

 

Problem-solving: With AI performing many routine tasks, humans will need to be able to solve more complex problems and think critically.

 

Creativity: AI can assist with data analysis and pattern recognition, but it may struggle with tasks that require novel thinking and creative solutions.

 

Emotional intelligence: Human-AI interaction will require empathy, emotional intelligence, and other soft skills.

 

Interpersonal and communication skills: Collaboration and communication skills will be essential for working with AI systems and other humans.

 

Continuous learning: The field of AI is continuously evolving, so it will be important for individuals to be able to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

 

Ethical considerations: As AI becomes more integrated into society, it will be important for individuals to be able to understand and navigate the ethical considerations surrounding its use.

 

Digital literacy: Understanding how AI works and how to use it effectively will be crucial for many jobs in the future. It's important to note that AI has the potential to improve many aspects of life and it will be necessary to understand how to use it in a responsible and ethical way.

 

The answer that was generated by the platform very much hit the mark! It is the ‘human’ skills that we need to thrive in the future and this, as you know, is our focus here in the Junior School. Please be assured that we will continue on this path, but we will use all of the tools at our disposal in doing so; ethically, responsibly, and with an open mind.

 

We also know that our parents/carers will work with us as we continue to tackle these big issues and ensure that our boys are well prepared for what lies ahead for them, despite the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity inherent in today’s world!

 

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

 

May God bless you,

 

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School