And now a word from 

Mrs Richards...

As we approach the school holidays we would like to take a moment to emphasise the importance of allowing our children to have ample downtime and experience the benefits of boredom. In a world filled with constant stimulation and scheduled activities, it is crucial to recognise the significance of unstructured free time for our young learners. 

In our fast-paced society, it has become increasingly common for children to have their schedules packed with extracurricular activities, tutoring sessions, and various other commitments. While these activities can be valuable and provide opportunities for growth, it is equally important to strike a balance and ensure that our children have the space to unwind, relax, and engage in unstructured play.

Cultivating Creativity: When children have downtime, they have the freedom to let their imaginations soar. Boredom acts as a catalyst for creativity, prompting them to invent their own games, stories, and activities. It is during these moments of idleness that some of the most brilliant ideas are born. By allowing our children to be bored, we provide them with an environment that encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Promoting Self-Discovery: Unstructured free time gives children the opportunity to explore their own interests and passions. By allowing them to engage in activities they genuinely enjoy, without adult intervention, we enable them to discover their personal preferences, talents, and strengths. This self-discovery process helps build confidence, a sense of identity, and a greater understanding of their own capabilities.

Enhancing Mental Well-being: Constantly engaging in activities can lead to exhaustion and burnout, even for our young learners. Downtime serves as a vital component in maintaining a healthy mental state. It allows children to recharge their minds, reduce stress, and develop resilience. By embracing boredom, we give our children the chance to unwind, reflect, and rejuvenate, promoting their overall well-being.

Fostering Independence and Resourcefulness: Boredom presents an opportunity for children to tap into their inner resourcefulness and develop their independence. When faced with boredom, they are encouraged to find their own solutions, explore new interests, and seek out activities that capture their attention. This fosters a sense of autonomy and the ability to rely on oneself, valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Now I know some of you are getting a little queasy at the thought of bored children!  Maybe some scaffolding would be helpful. Create a list of possible activities that children can do if they are bored e.g., make placemats and placecards for the family dinner, write a joke book, create a puppet show/play to practice and perform, clean out old toys to sell/donate, make a bug hotel in the back yard etc.

Enjoy the holidays everyone!