Wellbeing 

Questions to ask your child’s teacher at the upcoming parent teacher meetings that go beyond academic achievement.

According to a comprehensive study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, children’s emotional wellbeing and social integration play a large role in their long-term academic and life success. This research underscores the importance of looking beyond the report card to understand the full scope of our children’s school experience.

This holistic approach to education  emphasises emotional intelligence, social and emotional development and personal growth, alongside academic achievement. This is why it is advised to focus on the conversations with your child’s teacher on happiness, friendships, resilience and curiosity. When it comes to learning, joy, empathy and engagement are just as critical as any test score or assessment mark.

When meeting with our children’s teachers we should be asking questions that go beyond academic performance as they focus on the overall wellbeing of our children.

Here are some questions you may like to ask:

1. Is she/he happy at school?
2. Who are her/his friends?
3. How does he/she treat others at school?
4. How does he/she treat themself? 
5. How does she/he handle challenges in class?
6. What excites them?
7. What bores them?
8. Does he/she ask for help?
9. What is she/he most curious about?
10. Is he/she comfortable expressing their feelings?
11. How does she/he handle/manage their emotions?

Let’s champion a more compassionate, holistic approach to education, where our children’s spirits and minds grow hand in hand.

Donna