Carrie-Anne Thomas – Acting Deputy Head of Primary

Attention spans and mindfulness 

I have recently completed the Paws.b mindfulness program, a professional development course that has taught me about the essential role mindfulness practices can play in developing longer concentration spans and the ability to manage distractions effectively, in adults and children.

The Paws.b program is specifically designed to teach mindfulness to primary school-aged children. It is a fun and engaging way for children to learn about mindfulness and develop skills to help them manage challenges, improve their attention span and foster social-emotional learning. The program includes various activities such as breathing exercises, visualisations, and mindful movements that are all taught in a child-friendly way. The goal of the program is to help children learn how to manage their emotions and improve their overall wellbeing.

One of the key focuses discussed in the training, is the topic of attention spans and how much our minds wander. With the increasing use of technology and social media, attention spans have become shorter, making it more challenging for ourselves and for children to focus. Research studies have shown that the deterioration of attention spans in students, can have significant impact on their academic performance, task persistence and academic self-efficacy. As caregivers, it’s important that we work together to support students of Emanuel School, in developing the ability to pay attention and remain focused amidst distractions.

As parents and guardians, you play a significant role in helping your child develop a longer concentration span. Below are some tips that you can follow to support your child in improving their ability to concentrate:

• Facilitate outdoor play: Spending time outside in nature has been shown to improve attention and focus in children. Encourage your child to spend time playing outside and engaging in physical activity.
• Limit screen time: Set reasonable limits on the amount of time your child spends on electronic devices, including social media. 
• Establish a routine: Create a daily routine that includes designated time for homework, reading, and other focused activities. This can help children develop a habit of concentration and focus.
• Practise mindfulness: Introduce your child to mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises and guided meditations. These practices can help children develop the ability to pay attention and manage distractions.
• Create a distraction-free environment: Set up a quiet and distraction-free study area for your child, with minimal noise and visual distractions.

As mentioned above, incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine can be an effective way to support development of longer concentration spans and help manage distractions effectively. Mindfulness practices can help children learn how to pay attention and remain focused amidst distractions. Below I have included some short mindfulness practices that families can do at home with primary-aged students, including activities from the Paws.b mindfulness program. These practices are easy to incorporate into your child’s daily routine. 

• Belly breathing: Have your child to lie down and place their hand on their belly. Have them breathe deeply, filling their belly with air, and then exhale slowly. This can help them feel more relaxed and centred
• Body scan: Have your child lie down and close their eyes. Ask them to focus their attention on each part of their body, from their toes to their head, noticing any sensations or feelings as they go.
• Sensory awareness: Take your child on a sensory walk outside. Encourage them to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around them, without judgement.
• Finger breathing: Finger breathing is a mindfulness practice where you trace your fingers with your breath. This can help calm your mind and bring focus to the present moment.
• Petal breathing: Petal breathing is a mindfulness practice where you imagine a flower opening and closing with your breath. This can help you connect with your breath and feel calm and centred.

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By incorporating the tips mentioned above, and mindfulness practices into your child’s daily routine, you can help them improve their ability to concentrate and manage distractions effectively. As caregivers, it is our responsibility to create an environment that promotes healthy habits and fosters growth and development in our children. By working together and implementing these tips, we can help support the students of Emanuel School, in becoming successful and focused individuals.

Stevie Levenston – Director of Primary Operations

Thursday Sport

No parent pick-up and drop off

Each Thursday, Years 5 and 6 head to Queens Park for an afternoon of sporting fun. Year 4 will join them next term.

We kindly remind parents and carers that dropping your child at the park, or collecting them early from the park is not permitted. Our staff have a duty of care to ensure the safety of all students and, as such, their undivided attention is required for the students playing sport.

We ask that you follow the usual protocol of informing the School of the student’s early pick up time and then collect your child from the school campus. The same goes for drop offs.

Should you need to drop your child back at school after the commencement of sport, please do so at the school campus. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter!

Hagit Bar-On, Head of Primary Jewish Studies

Pesach
Friday 31 March 2023 – Save the date

We look forward to welcoming our K-4 parents to share in our  Pesach experience:

Year K–2 Pesach

8.00 am – 8.30 am: Nosh & Shmooze (Outside Primary Library)
8.40 am – 9.15 am: K-2 in the MPH
9.20 am – 10.00 am: Year K Pathway in PAC
9.20 am – 10.00 am: Year 1-2 Seder in the MPH

Year 3–4 Pesach

10.00 am – 10.30 am: Nosh & Shmooze (Pizem)
10.30 am – 12.00 pm: Year 3 & Year 4 Workshops (in the Years 3 and 4 classrooms)

Parents of Years 5 & 6 will be invited to a community event at a later date. Students in these Year Groups will still be holding Seder activities but in their normal classroom environment.