As parents, we all know that sparkle in our child’s eye when they have just discovered something exciting. They get animated, ask us what feels like a hundred questions and can get totally lost in the world of that new discovery. These moments of pure joy associated with learning something new just seem to spark that wonderful natural curiosity that young children have.
Then as our children grow up, these moments seem to happen less and less. Something in our schooling system is turning off that natural curiosity and dulling the spark of our children. In boys, this change can be quite easy to see. Their misbehaviour is often a clear signal that something in the classroom is not working for them. Girls are, stereotypically, more passive in their response. They retreat within themselves, act compliantly but totally lose that spark.
There are a range of possible reasons why this happens: a focus on teacher ideas rather than student interests, traditional ideas of femininity and a desire to fit in rather than stand out are just a few of the factors that researchers have identified. This research has also shown how underachievement due to these factors then also causes a drop in self esteem.
What is useful though, is that researchers have also identified factors that can support girls to find the confidence to stand out and be successful. These factors include:
- A supportive learning environment
- A focus on social emotional development
- Learning that is relevant to their lives and interests
- Increasing girls self efficacy
At AGE School we have purpose designed our learning environment to help each individual build the capabilities and confidence to thrive. We warmly welcome anyone who is seeing their children lose their spark to come and visit us. We would love to work with you and help your daughter have the confidence to dream.
