school performance: why is it important?
As a child, their main ‘occupation’ is to be a student. Therefore, how one goes about their day and perceives various situations in the school environment is extremely important and influential on larger concepts such a self-esteem, problem-solving, etc. Often times, if a child is having challenges with a major activity or part of the daily school day (i.e. handwriting, social interactions/challenges with peers, misconnect with a teacher, visual processing & understanding concepts presented, etc.), this may have a negative influence on how they perceive themselves and their overall functioning in the school environment.
Therefore, if we want to foster self-assured and confident children, who are able to overcome obstacles and thrive in any environment, it is imperative that we do our best to facilitate optimal school performance and functioning in the school environment. If a child is consistently having challenges with handwriting, completing tasks on time, understanding the details of an assignment - consider two options:
The child continues to struggle, internalizing their challenges, which may have a negative influence on their overall self-esteem
OR
The child receives support in this area, not only making participation in the activity or task easier, but simultaneously learning how to overcome adversity, how to foster problem-solving skills, learning when to ask for help when needed, learning how to find the solution within each problem.
When we focus on the situations and challenges that are rising throughout a child’s school day, we can find valuable learning experiences, teaching a child at a young age that for every problem - there is a solution! As the adults in a child’s life model this concept, from a young age the children will be learning important and valuable life-long skills such as problem-solving, overcoming adversity, seeking assistance when needed - all leading to fostering successful, thriving functioning at a young age!!