From the Assistant Principal 

Supporting Social Thinking in F–2

In today' issue I would like to share a little about something that’s been happening quietly in our classrooms with some of our Foundation to Year 2 students.

Throughout the year, small groups of students have been taking part in a social thinking program supported by Margie Dillon under my guidance, who has worked in our school for 15 years and has built a warm and positive connection with the students. Rather than teaching “social skills” in a scripted way, we focus on what we call social thinking using the We Thinkers program— helping students reflect on why we use certain social behaviours, and how our thoughts and actions impact the people around us.

We are delighted to see students beginning to notice what’s going on in their own minds and bodies (“checking in”), while also becoming more aware of what’s happening around them (“checking out” the situation).

 It is really lovely to see how eager they are to come to each session and to notice them trying out the skills and behaviours they’re learning. Skills like self-regulation, perspective-taking, and flexible thinking play an important role in how students learn, whether they’re solving a maths problem, writing a story, or working in a group.

These small group sessions have provided a quiet space for students to reflect, connect, and grow. I have observed thoughtful conversations, small moments of insight, and children supporting one another in lovely ways.

I asked the students their thoughts:

“The Group Plan is that we should work together all the time so we can get it done!”

“Whole body listening is staying still and listening to the person who is talking.”

“We have a really fun time, Margi is really nice to us and we play games.”

“I like it when we take it in turns to share about our holidays.”

We will be extending the program to include Year 3 students this term, so even more children can benefit from these opportunities to grow their social thinking and skills.

Warm regards,

Judy Harrington

Assistant Principal