Finding the RIGHT school ~ What to ask when choosing a school for YOUR child.
Posted On September 15, 2011
Last Saturday we had Master O’s open day for his “big school”. The realisation that my baby boy will be off to school next year, is both exciting and anxiety inducing. As a teacher I get asked a lot about what you should look for in a school. This is is such a hard question to answer, but it helps if you first take some time to think abut what you want for YOUR child. Because all children are different. I first responded to this way back in April but here’s my response to
how what you want for your child in LIFE
should fit together with the SCHOOL you choose for them.
I want my child to….
Learn with enthusiasm, use his initiative, follow his passions and
leap in to life
(Are the teachers who passionate about their work, friendly and enthusiastic?
Are their opportunities for children with varying interests to pursue them)
Stay healthy and active, to exercise his body and mind
(Do they provide opportunities for children to be active and encourage healthy lifestyles)
Be given the opportunity to explore, imagine and inquire
(Is the curriculum inquiry based?
Are the classrooms full of individual, creative work not the same worksheet completed by all?)
Develop a sense of awe and wonder
and to use his hands and his senses,
learn about the world around him
(Will my child be able to participate in hands on learning not just talk and chalk?)
Communicate confidently and
to speak up for what he believes in, without fear of judgement.
(Is the school inclusive of all?)
without hesitation, choose his own path instead of following others
(Will they be treated as individual learners with individual needs? Do they have support for students who need to be extended or for those who are having trouble?)
maintain a balance between
school and home
friends and family
study and play
(Is the whole child educated? Academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual?)
face every obstacle as a challenge armed with the persistence to conquer it
(How do they encourage children to do their best and challenge them to be their best?)
and the resilience to shrug off the setbacks
(How do they teach resilience or promote mental well being, what is their stance on bullying?)
To feel the joy and pride of success.
(How do they celebrate the success of ALL individuals?)
Every child is different and not every school is a good match for every child.
But when you find the right one, you breathe a big sigh of relief, sleep a little easier and dream that they will love their school as much as you do!
