THIS WEEK WE ARE INSPIRED

“We want Wellingtonians to have been genuinely excited by everything they have done…..they will have developed a zest for life so that they, in turn, go into the world ready and able to inspire others.”

Julian Thomas, Master, Wellington College.

What does it mean to ‘inspire’? Coming from the Latin inspirare (breathe or blow into) the word was originally used of a divine or supernatural being, in the sense to ‘impart a truth or idea to someone’. Today, inspire is defined as ‘to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative; to create a feeling (especially a positive one) in a person (Oxford English Dictionary). How do you inspire children? Be an inspiring person! As parents and educators, it is important to ask if your own behaviours are controlling or inspiring. The one thing that pushing and controlling behaviour will motivate in children is the motivation to be resistant.（www.empoweringparents.com） It is well acknowledged in education that inspiration and motivation are very closely linked. Researchers have identified six key ways that we can inspire and motivate children:

1. Encourage children to express their opinion, talk about feelings and make choices
2. Show enthusiasm for a child’s interests and encourage them to explore those things that fascinate them
3. Provide play opportunities
4. Celebrate achievements no matter how small
5. Focus on strengths, encouraging developing talents
6. Turn everyday events in to learning opportunities

www.scholastic.com   Neal Bascombe, author of ‘The New Cool’ provides specific advice for parents: Practice what you preach - it is inspiring for children to work with their parents, instead of simply taking directions from them. Don’t give instructions, join in Encourage hands-on activities – get in there and work with your hands; there is something almost primal about our desire to build and create Expect more from your children – don’t over-assist in an effort to help your child succeed. Hand-holding sends the message that he/she can’t do it on their own. Rather, give responsibility and expect more. Give them the tools they need and let them fly Provide the raw materials – stock your child’s environment with materials conducive to creativity. Instead of turning on the TV or playing on the iPad, purchase toys that encourage imaginative play, as this encourages abstract thinking and creativity whilst providing opportunities to take on new roles and experiment with teamwork and relationships Help them ‘peer-up’ – children need opportunities to learn with others on their level. Peer to peer learning is an incredibly exciting way to learn Applaud efforts over outcomes – it is more important to encourage children throughout the process in order to engage their intrinsic creativity and ability Expand your child’s comfort zone – learn about different cultures and ways of life as this opens young eyes to alternate ways of doing things Recognise that one size doesn’t fit all – different brains process information in different ways. Acknowledge your child’s uniqueness whilst empowering them to figure out the things that work best for them Help them to see the big picture – let older children imagine what kind of person they want to be, what do they want to be known for, what do they want their friends to like them for? Encourage children to set their own bar – allow your child to be themselves and tell them that ‘cool’ is what they make it, no matter what their interests. Forget what anybody else says

“The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do” Steve Jobs, 1955-2011, CEO Apple Inc.