CEO Report
A few weeks ago, a very good friend of mine (and an avid Collingwood supporter) was at the MCG when his team lost to Carlton. I spoke to him the next day – I admit – to rub salt into his wounds. We had a laugh about his team’s loss, but what I remember most about that conversation was his explanation of seeing the immense joy on a young boy’s face after the match, who barracked for the opposition. He described the boy as being seven or eight years old, but the joy on the child’s face after his team’s win was priceless. He spoke about his interaction with the boy, giving him a high five on the win, and I could hear his own happiness in describing the way the little boy’s face expressed such elation.
Our term three newsletter focusses on joy in early childhood. There are so many moments throughout life where we have the opportunity to experience joy with children. It could be something small like watching a child sleep, or seeing them master the art of tying their shoe laces for the first time. It could be a planned activity like a birthday party, or weekend away…….regardless of what it is, these moments, like my football fanatic friend described, create memories and a sense of happiness. Our teachers and educators are trained to promote learning that excites and empowers children to engage with learning experiences in a fun, play based manner. Joy comes when a child feels a sense of achievement, as if they have created something new, and on their own. Joy for us comes from being amazed by what these little people can do.
Both within the home, and at kindergarten, the joy of learning can occur in many ways. From integrating sports or drama into educational activities; to incorporating story telling and the use of imagination in conversations…..our role is to provide children with opportunities to experience emotions of surprise in positive ways, to nurture their curiosity, while interacting with meaningful content through a supportive community of classmates, friends, family and teachers.
There has been an abundance of brain research that validates the fact that when the element of fun is missing from learning, the element of actual learning taking place also remains absent. In a study conducted by education theorist Krashen (1982), it was proposed that when learning is associated with strong positive emotions (joy), retention of learning by children takes place. Clinical evidence of cognitive psychology studies shows that boredom, stress, confusion, anxiety and low levels of motivation hinder learning.
When children experience joy in their learning, they show improved motivation. They become more actively involved in the process, as they are engaged. This in turn helps them to make connections with themselves and the world around them, and construct meaning in their own contexts. At Glen Education, our staff are experts at promoting authentic learning through activities like plays, stories, songs, art, music and drawings, Joyful learning lessons are built around experiences that let children relate to their environment and their past knowledge and experiences.
As a parent, I recognise there are many moments when parenthood is far from joyful. It can be monotonous, frustrating, messy, boring and exhausting. As we approach the end of winter, I hope you find moments of joy that inspire you to keep going. From the blossom on the trees as the weather warms up, to reading the same book to your child for what seems like the hundredth time. These moments are precious.
