November 21
Dear Parents,
As we head into Thanksgiving Break and the close of November 2024, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on an essential part of our students' growth—building independence and resilience.
With the halfway point of the school year approaching, many students may be navigating challenges with friendships or grappling with a concept that doesn't click right away. These experiences, while sometimes challenging, are opportunities for growth and an essential part of building the skills they'll need to succeed in life.
Here are a few ways we can work together to foster resilience and independence in our students:
- Encourage Problem-Solving: Allow your child to work through challenges rather than stepping in immediately. Ask guiding questions like, "What do you think you could do?" or "How could you approach this differently?"
- Celebrate Effort, Not Just Success: Praise your child for their determination and hard work, even if the outcome isn't perfect. Statements like "I'm proud of how you stuck with it" can go a long way in building confidence.
- Normalize Struggles: Let your child know that everyone faces challenges and that making mistakes is part of learning. Share stories from your life to help them see that perseverance pays off.
- Encourage Self-Reliance: Whether it's packing their backpack, solving a disagreement with a friend, or trying a challenging homework question, these small steps toward independence can make a big difference.
We want our students to embrace challenges as opportunities and know they have the strength and resources to persevere. Together, we can help them grow into confident, resilient individuals ready to tackle the world.
Wishing you a restful and meaningful Thanksgiving Break.
Kindest regards,
Louise Dunn
Head of Lower School
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