LET’S REIMAGINE “SCHOOL ZONES”
what is a SCHOOL ZONE?
Definition: “40km/h school zones help protect children on their way to and from schools at the times and places where they are often in high numbers. This lower speed limit reduces the risk and potential severity of a crash”
- NSW Government, 2023.
It’s that time of the year again, school zone’s are back in swing and our youth are also back in fresh uniforms ready for another year of learning.
A new year, a clean slate, a chance to learn, grow and flourish.
Flourishing doesn’t just happen on it’s own.. It requires foundational basics, and while our governments enforce schools zone’s to protect our youth from death, we too must our enforce our own “schools zones” (rituals, habits and boundaries) that protect their minds and body.
Here are a few that I believe are fundamental:
Sleep is paramount. Sleep is essential for them to rest, grow & heal. The rise of technology has interfered with precious sleep time and they need this to perform at higher cognitive levels everyday. It has also completely hindered their circadian rhythm. Remove technology from their rooms at night and prompt them to wake naturally with the sun. This may take a while to adjust, however it is better for their development.
Movement is essential. In order for the youth to have proper blood flow to the brain, and for their bodies to grow, they need to move, purposefully and playfully. Walks, sport and general movement after school each day will help. You must remember, they are sitting for extended periods of time at school, which is an issue in itself, and therefore they need to move. Their short recess and lunch breaks are not enough time for play!
Nutrition is everything. Mental health and academic performance largely depend on foods that an individual consumes. To support their cognition and overall physical, and mental health, they need, Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids found in proteins & fats. The youth are sadly nutrient deficient and…. You can read more about this here: https://www.biobodybybridget.com/knowledge-centre/cognition-7hjfh
Screen time needs to be minimised. It is best to keep the youth away from their screens as a means of entertainment after school. The increase in screen-time is alarming. Most schools are now BYOD and this means your child’s blue light exposure has nearly doubled. They are no longer just using them as an educational means, but for their own enjoyment and entertainment and this unfortunately means they are consumed by their screens.
Connection and communication is key. Schools have an interesting way of speaking at the youth all day, rather than speaking to them. Tap into a communication style that makes them feel they can connect with you while encouraging more lengthier responses. Do this by reframing your questions from “How was school?” (we know there is a usual one-word response that comes with this question) to “I know you had xxxx on today, can you tell me how that went and what occurred?”, “I can sense your not yourself today, is there something you want to talk about now or should I bring this up a little later when you are ready?, or “I can see on your timetable (or student notices) that this is taking place tomorrow, how do you feel about that? Is it something you would like to participate in?.”
Routine and structure brings forth stability. Young children need to be regulated with routine and set structures, without this, they find it difficult to stay on task. Creating a visual weekly schedule that integrates their learning intentions, social & family activities is a great aid to keep them on the right tract. Prompt them to use their learning planners or have a magnetic planner on the fridge.
I hope these fundamental rituals, habits and boundaries help.
“✌️, ❤️ & reimagined “school zones”.
In The Spirit of Learning & Health,”
