Well-being.
Quality education gives learners the knowledge, skills, competencies and experiences to succeed in life in ways that matter to them. When children and young people have a strong sense of wellbeing, they can engage meaningfully in learning.
Every learner has the right to a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, where they are accepted and respected, and an education that values their identity, language and culture, and those of their family and whānau.
At Paparoa Street School we want all students and staff to Flourish. Through all learning we aim to increase flourishing and wellbeing.
We promote:
Positive emotions through creativity, sharing of passions and reflection
Engagement through student-directed learning
Positive relationships through collaboration, enhancing communication skills and mediated relationship building activities
Gaining meaning through authentic learning experiences
Individual goal setting and reflection to acknowledge accomplishments.
Behaviour Management
Behaviour Management is always a hot topic in schools! Here is how we teach and respond to behaviours at Paparoa Street School.
Growth Mindset
We continue to develop students' understanding of the work of Professor Carol Dweck on Growth Mindset at Paparoa Street School.
We value effort and attitude
We view failure and mistakes as opportunities to grow
We value constructive feedback and ideas to improve
We value the learning we can gain from others
We are inspired by successes of others
We value new experiences
We value learning that is ‘prickly’ and ‘hard’ sometimes
We value the passions and interests of all learners.
Mindful breathing
As a community, we are participating in regular guided Mindfulness practice. Taking the time to focus on the breath, noticing the body and the feelings within it, focusing and reducing the wandering thoughts and slowing ourselves down.
Zones of regulation
We understand the need for all learners to express their feelings and understand their emotional reactions to situations. Through engaging in a variety of wellbeing initiatives they are encouraged to better understand ways to regulate their emotions.
We use the simple colour coded format of the Zone of Regulation to encourage this learning.
There are four colour zones which we use to describe and understand how our brain and body feels. They are broken into; blue, yellow, red and green zones. By teaching this programme in a manner that is easy for all children to understand, we hope to build capacity for resilience and their ability to 'self regulate' their emotions when things go wrong. This is useful for adult - children as well as child - child interactions.
Circle Time
We regularly come together for a Circle Time session. Through engaging with Circle Time activities learners practice the skills of active listening, expression of emotions and feelings, and reflection. They discuss similarities and points of view and work with others to solve problems and have fun.
Restorative conflict resolution practices
In situations of conflict, conversations will be held with all parties involved. Adults will be involved in a high level of support with responsibility for creating clear boundaries. Children will be engaged in the process or problem-solving and in determining what’s needed to put things right.
Everyone will have a chance to tell their story. If you are wrong you will be given a chance to make amends and put things right. If you are a victim you will have a say in how to make things right. Opportunities will be created for all parties to understand, reflect on and learn from the experience in a respected way.
There will be a sense of collective accountability and responsibility.
Useful links
Mindful breathing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xMast-yMv4
Straight back soft belly https://mindfulnesseducation.nz/free-pbs-resources/
Positive psychology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJvS8v0TTI
The Learning pit https://vimeo.com/117364809
Mindful Movers.
Mindful Movers is a concept that is all about teaching our children, here at Paparoa Street School, mindfulness. Being mindful incorporates a series of techniques that help our children to recentre themselves. We consider Mindful Movers to be an essential concept when guiding children through an ‘on the go’ environment.
We welcome Johanna and Erica into our school for group mindfulness sessions each term for all learners. Mindful Mover Classes teach secular mindfulness practices to help children cope with strong emotions. The Mindful Mover curriculum introduces life skills that not only help our children to be in a mindful learning state now, but will also help them create healthy habits for their future.
Connection to the body paying attention to sensory experience, checking in and paying attention to how your body feels.
Connection to the brain learning about how the brain works, how to focus and be still. Learning growth mindset.
Connection to the heart learning to identify and cope with emotions. How to be kind to yourself, especially in hard times. Learning your personal strengths and positive self talk.
Connection to others how to respond wisely instead of reacting. Being kind to others, being a positive member of the community and working as a team.
Read more here on the Mindful Movers website.
