Learning and Teaching
In week four of this term we had a Curriculum Day where all staff were engaged in professional learning. Some of the initial work we participated in was centred around Executive Functioning. We then worked on understanding specific learning disabilities and learning difficulties that then leads to powerful instruction. Staff worked collaboratively on student behaviour protocols at St. Anthony’s School.
Executive functions are central processes
that are most intimately involved in giving order and organisation to our actions and behaviour.
They include:
- Impulse control
- Emotional control
- Flexible thinking
- Working memory
- Self monitoring
- Planning and prioritising
- Task initiation
- Organisation
Executive functioning:
- development in childhood occurs in different contexts for different age ranges and in a general process
- is a set of abilities that is essential for thinking through and completing tasks
- includes skills that allow us to problem solve, initiate and complete tasks and sustain attention through the completion of tasks
- are necessary for tasks such as getting dressed for the day, completing homework, making our bed etc
- are needed for EVERYDAY DAILY ACTIVITIES
The staff were immersed in professional readings to support the work they do in class to help our students.
The next session had a strong focus on learning disabilities and learning difficulties. Our school was fortunate to have Mary-Anne Rugg, a MACS Learning Diversity Consultant, both present to us and then work collaboratively with us.
Overall, the staff were engaged in powerful learning that will continue to flow into classrooms to support all students along their learning journey.
Have a quick read of this informative article for activities to do at home to support your child in their development of executive function skills.
Keep an eye out in the next newsletter for MORE of what is happening in Learning and Teaching!
Belinda Hesse
Learning and Teaching Leader
Learning Diversity Leader