The Power of Quality Time: Children Want to be Heard

'Spread out along the starting line... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...'

'Miss! Miss! I just wanted to tell you that I was away yesterday because my pet passed away'.

'Miss! Miss! Can I be in?'

'Can I be in for the game?'

What do you choose to do in this moment?

In a world filled with time pressures and busy schedules, we often neglect to pause and focus on the moments that matter to our children.

As a teacher, there are time constraints and deadlines for content to be taught, as well as outcomes to be assessed. What is also of great value is quality time spent with our students.

'It is not enough to be busy... the question is: What are we busy about?' - Henry David Thoreau

Every student in our care comes to school each day with their own personal circumstances and while the difficulties they face may seem trivial to us as adults, they are very real for children.

I strongly believe that the most important thing for my students is to listen to them and give them quality time.

'Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care' - John C. Maxwell

Children want to be heard and want to feel valued.

Tips to create moments for quality time at home with children:

• Have a daily 'connect' time
• Reinforce positive behaviour
• Eat a meal together
• Schedule a time to do an activity together

Each connection has a lasting impact and provides the support and reassurance that your child need.

Karinne Cooke

Head of Year 4