Think of all the ways school is a place of emotional repression for a child.
Whatever has happened at home, or on the way to school, or how they feel about themselves, all these must warp so the kid becomes the kind of learner we want them to be.
Repression is baked into the NZ Curriculum through the Key Competency (KC) of Managing Self:
“Students who manage themselves are enterprising, resourceful, reliable, and resilient. They establish personal goals, make plans, manage projects, and set high standards. They have strategies for meeting challenges. They know when to lead, when to follow, and when and how to act independently.”
Sounds good. And these are good qualities for a learner to have and grow.
But when this KC becomes all about forging on and getting things done, no matter your emotional state, well ...
Very few schools give students the one thing that could make this a powerful KC through which learners could learn how to be in touch with their emotions: ownership of learning.
Instead, it’s
— Do as we say and everything will be fine. Come on now, show some resilience. Show some respect. There’s no place for anger here. Get your work done. Manage yourself (Push it all down) … That’s it, be a good learner —
Don’t think this continual repression doesn’t have an impact.
Imagine …
Day after day bowing to the demands imposed by others. Day after day having to deny who you are and how you feel. Day after day the boundary between your inner world and its outward expression numbing and thickening.
No one seeing who you really are and how you really feel.
A gradual unknowing of the self.
All in the name of learning.
Today’s message from Pluto
“I make awesome plans when my emotions and senses are fully engaged. Woof!!!”
Something to try that might make a difference
It’s impossible to talk about wellbeing without also providing opportunities for the kids to show their genuine selves and how they feel.
So try this:
Ease into each day with play.
Don’t just flick the switch into school time. Create a soft transition that gives the kids a chance to show themselves AND for you to see them.