The Learning Charter

12 October 2018

During their PSHEE sessions, each class devises their own ‘Learning Charter’. The Learning Charter sets outs the expectations (and rewards) for positive behaviour alongside the consequences for failing to meet the expectations. It’s a balance sheet of sorts and the aim is that by making expectations clear at both a class and whole school level, we can create a harmonious learning environment.

Of course, children are children! They don’t always follow the rules, meet the expectations or behave in the way we would wish. Just like with their learning, children need to make mistakes to help them to learn effective lessons. Behaviour is always a matter of choice; most of the time we make the right choices but we occasionally suffer from poor judgement and make the wrong choices. It’s not always a conscious decision as children are often impulsive and they don’t realise they have made the wrong choice until it is too late.

Young children do not always understand or appreciate that their actions have consequences. When they make the wrong choice, they need time to reflect about the impact this has on themselves and those around them, and consider how they would approach a situation differently next time. Next week, our ethos theme is: ‘We choose to follow the Learning Charter.’ We will be talking to the children about making the right choice and doing the right thing and having the courage to face up to consequences when they do not make the right choice. Your help in reinforcing this concept of ‘choice’ at home will be of great help.