We recently published tips and tricks for parents to make online learning work for you and your family in the Katikati Advertisers newsletter. You can read the full article below.
Parents as Educators – Mindset Is Everything
Practical advice from educators at Matahui School as we reflect on home learning over the past 3-4 weeks.
During lockdown many parents were feeling the pressure. Breadwinner, caregiver, chef/cook, cleaner, enforcer and all things in between. Add teachers/educators to this list! That’s a lot of roles to play and it’s been even harder for working parents and business owners. The teachers at Matahui School have learned a few things over this and last the lockdowns and want to share a few practical tips parents can use to bolster their educating skillset.
- Modelling a problem solving mindset. We’ve all had to do a fair bit of problem solving lately. As parents or teachers, we can’t always be there to solve every problem for our children. In fact, this isn’t our job. Our job is to TEACH our children how to solve problems by themselves. This way, they can become confident, independent, and successful individuals. When YOU encounter a challenge, do a “think-aloud” for the benefit of your child. MODEL how to apply the same problem-solving skills you’ve been working on together, giving the real-world examples that she can implement in her own life. At the same time, show your child a willingness to make mistakes. Everyone encounters problems, and that’s okay. Sometimes the first solution you try won’t work, and that’s okay too! When you model problem-solving, explain that there are some things which are out of our control. As we’re solving a problem at hand we should focus on the things we CAN actually control. Naturally, these abilities go hand-in-hand with a growth mindset.
Matahui School has a proud tradition of instilling problem solving skills – our senior class recently won the EPro8 science and engineering competition where their problem solving where put to the test against other schools in the Bay of Plenty Region.
- The mind is powerful and your mindset shades the way you see the world
We’ve all heard the saying “Whether you think you can or can’t – you’re right!”. This is important to Mrs McDonald, junior Teacher at Matahui School. “This term we’re focussing on building a “growth mindset” and using the power of the word “yet”. “If your child says, ‘I can’t do this’, we add the word ‘I can’t do this yet’ to build self confidence”, says Mrs McDonald. The word “yet” can change disparaging sentences into positive ones, promoting growth. This linguistic trick works especially well with sentences that include “can’t” or “don’t,” because it reverses the negative connotation.
What’s happening in the Junior School at Matahui this term?
This term’s inquiry project is all about “Light”. Where does it come from? What is light? How do light sources work? What is energy? Who would have guessed that 5-7-year-olds would be so interested in physics, astrology and electricity – budding scientists in the making who thirst for more knowledge – they really are developing a love of learning through their own inquiry.
Next week we’ll cover the importance of play in learning and how you can encourage a love of learning in your children.
For more tips or to find out more about Matahui School – visit our website www.matahui.school.nz or visit our facebook page here.
Matahui School is putting on a show called ‘The Point’. I am an Autumn tree. I look sparkly with my leaves -orange and yellow. I say “We have a point!” I love to sing. The show is brilliant! By Charlotte
Our school did a play called ‘The Point”. I am an Autumn tree. I’ve got red and gold leaves on my headband. They glisten. It’s treetastic! I’ve got leaves on my body. They are gold. I say “No, you didn’t think!’ I feel that the play was treetastic! By Cameron
Matahui School is doing a show called ‘The Point’. We are Autumn trees. We have yellow and orange leaves, with sparkles. I say “It’s a time of magic and excitement!” I love the singing and the dancing. By Emma
I am an Autumn tree. I liked how the parents were watching me. I look sparkly with my Autumn leaves. I say “Pointless! Pointless!” I felt happy because it was my first school show. By Anna
The show is fabulous. I love the dance. I say “Pointless! Pointless!” I am an Autumn tree. I have orange, brown, and red leaves all around me. The show is cool. By Phoenix. 
I am an Autumn tree. I look like an Autumn tree, with orange leaves, yellow leaves, red leaves. I say “Oh my boy! You have a lot to learn. Tell me, where are you three from?” The show was cool. By Callaway 
I love how the people were clapping. I am an Autumn tree. I have yellow leaves on my head. My favourite line is “Yep! It’s timing! Ha ha ha!” I felt nervous and happy. By Aroha
Matahui School is putting on a show and we are Autumn trees. I look sparkly like a tree. I have a headband with sparkles on my headband. We also have yellow leaves. I like singing the song. I say “No roots! No roots?” I feel happy and shy. By Kaida
I am an Autumn tree in the play. I have Autumn leaves, yellow, red, orange. I say “You and your dog will work like dogs.” I was happy because my Mum was watching me. By Saxon
We are Autumn trees. I have yellow leaves sparkling around me. I have leaves sparkling in my hair. I say “For the love of a horse, what are you trying to do?” I felt scared and happy and brave. By Payton
I am a beautiful Autumn tree that sparkles. I love being an Autumn tree that sparkles. I say ‘You know, leaves like that do not just grow on trees.” I like how we did the singing. I wear yellow leaves around my body. I looked great and fantastic. I wear red leaves on my head band, sparkling up on my head. I felt excited. By Tyla.
I am an Autumn tree. I liked how the parents were watching us as Autumn trees. I looked fabulous because I have golden leaves – they sparkle and shine. That makes me feel proud of myself. I say “For crying out loud, would you get out of there!” The show was great! By Darcy
