GUELPH, ON - As we settle into October students have had an opportunity to meet and connect with familiar and new peers, teaching staff and school team members. It is such an important part of starting the year off well. Relationships and connections are the underpinnings of learning. With relationships, we build a sense of connection and community. As we become a part of a community, we feel we belong. With belonging comes spaces and environments that elevate learning opportunities.
“Children’s relationships shape the way they see the world and affect all areas of their development. Through relationships with parents, family members and carers, children learn about themselves and their world.” - raisingchildren.net.au
Activities and Reflections
Here are some questions to consider or engage with your child/youth about in age-appropriate ways:
What does it mean to have a relationship with ourselves/others/the world around us?
What can relationships sound like/feel like/look like?
What things do people do to establish/nurture relationships with themselves/others/the world around them?
How do our experiences and identities impact the way we think about and work towards building relationships with ourselves/others/the world around us?
Ask a friend/family member to go on a walk/roll and build connection and physical movement into your day.
Talk with your child/youth about relationships and make a list of caring adults in the community, at home and at school?
Make a list about what connection means. It may mean something different for each of us.
Championing Health and Well-Being
Did you know:
Harvard researchers found that “caring behaviors trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones”. They also noted that “Research has also identified a range of activities that qualify as social support, from offers of help or advice to expressions of affection. In addition, evidence suggests that the life-enhancing effects of social support extend to the giver as well as to the receiver.”
And finally, and of equal importance, is to recognize the vital relationship that exists between families, guardians and caregivers with the school teams. We all have a part to play in our children and youth’s wellbeing and we are most effective when we can join together to support and wrap around together.
--The Wellness Works Committee