Primary’s New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year!

In the Primary school, staff and students have welcomed 2021 by discussing and setting new year’s resolutions. Since March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives have changed and therefore this year, we need to be mindful of setting realistic and achievable targets. 

Children can have trouble sticking to long-term goals. However, thinking about a few small goals to work on each day is a good strategy. Let’s go through a few examples:

Foundation Stage

• I will clean up my toys at the end of the day before bedtime.
• I will brush my teeth twice a day, once after breakfast and again before I go to sleep.
• I will put my dirty clothes in the laundry basket before bedtime every day.
• I will try all the food on my plate, even if it's just one bite.
• I will work on my letters and numbers for at least five minutes per day.

Primary children

• I will wear sunscreen before I go outdoors on a sunny day. I will keep it by the door, so I remember to apply it before heading out.
• I will find a sport or an activity that I can do at least three times per week.
• I will spend 5 minutes tidying my bedroom every evening.
• I will complete my homework each week.
• I will always wear a helmet when riding my bike/scooter.
• I will buckle my seat belt every time I get in a car.
• I will turn off electronic devices, like tablets, television, and video games, at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• I will read at least one book per week.
• I will journal one thing I am grateful for every night before bed.

Even the most realistic and carefully-planned resolutions don't always work out the way we hope. If outside factors get in the way of your child's goals, you can use the experience to teach them flexibility. Learning to adapt when things don’t go according to plan is a fundamental aspect of building resilience. Turn disappointments into teachable moments and help your child navigate their own New Year's resolutions.

Louise Banthorpe
Primary Assistant Principal, Lower Primary