As you know, one of our core beliefs at AISM is that learning is a consequence of thinking. What we mean by this is that we believe children learn effectively and develop deep understanding when their teachers create multiple opportunities for them to think in many different ways about the content that they are learning.

So how might parents and guardians help with this goal?

Here are ten powerful questions you might ask your children in order to encourage them to think, reflect and engage with their learning.

1 - What great questions did you ask at school today?
2 - What’s something you learnt about today that you found interesting?
3 - What was the most important thing you learnt today?
4 - What are you finding challenging, puzzling or difficult to understand? How are you trying to overcome these challenges?
5 - What’s something you’re learning about that could be applied in a real-life situation? How so?
6 - What connections did you make today between something you learned and something you already knew?
7 - Did you do any group work or collaborate with classmates today? How did you contribute to the team?
8 - How do you feel your understanding of a specific subject/topic has changed over time?
9 - Is there anything you would like to explore further or learn more about related to what you studied today?
10 - When you think back over everything that has happened and everything you have learnt this week, how would you answer this question: ‘What’s the point of school?’

Now I don’t recommend that you bombard your children with all these questions as soon as they come through the front door! But perhaps you’ll find that a moment comes up naturally when everyone is feeling relaxed and open-minded where one of these questions might result in some really interesting conversation.

Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between parental interest in their children’s learning and achievement in school. Children whose parents are genuinely interested in their learning tend to have improved academic achievement, increased motivation, and enhanced self-esteem and confidence.

Research suggests that the key to this is the word ‘genuine’. If we ask the question, ‘What’s something you learnt today that you found interesting?’, our child says ‘the nervous system’, we say ‘Oh wow, that does sound interesting’, and then change the topic… well, this does not have much effect.

But… if we respond by saying,  ‘OK, what did you find interesting about the nervous system?’ And follow up with ‘tell me a little more about that’. And ask, ‘what makes you say that?’ to probe a little deeper… Then we have the beginnings of an authentic and engaging conversation which challenges them to think, deepens their learning, shows we are engaged and is often really interesting for us as well.

Have a great weekend everybody!

2023 AISM First Term Experience Survey 

Your comments as parents and guardians are important to us. Share with us your first term experience by clicking on the link below: 

We highly encourage all parents and guardians to take this opportunity to provide the school with your valuable and CONFIDENTIAL feedback by Monday, 22 May 2023.