Yesterday, Dawn had great fun presenting a webinar to 149 teachers and Head Teachers from COBIS (Council of British International Schools) schools in 46 countries around the world from Costa Rica to Azerbaijan and from Australia to Cambodia.
The attendees all heard how the Junior Duke can help children to develop resilience by giving them real life skills and encouraging them to have a go. Allowing children the time and backing to fail a few times and to embrace the struggle as they solve problems for themselves helps them to develop resilience which, in turn, is a good way to reduce anxiety as they grow up.
It's important that we teach our children that it's not a bad thing to try something new and to feel nervous; feeling anxious can be uncomfortable but it's only uncomfortable until you get started. Many adults try to protect children from feeling disappointed, frustrated and anxious but, unfortunately, in the long run, that means that our children are deprived of developing their own coping strategies.
Facing age-appropriate challenges builds grit, adaptability and the confidence to handle setbacks so that is why every school should offer the Junior Duke Award!
Feedback:
In our feedback survey, 86% rated the webinar as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ and 71% would recommend the webinar to a colleague. One attendee said "Junior Duke is important so that younger children will have the opportunity to acquire those necessary skills for life."
Many thanks to the team at COBIS for arranging the webinar and big thanks to everyone for registering.
Dawn
