This fortnight, our PB4L focus is on the important personal skill of self-control. Developing self-control helps students make thoughtful decisions, manage their emotions, and respond to challenges in positive ways—both in and out of the classroom.

Self-control is the ability to manage our thoughts, feelings, and actions—even when it’s hard. It means thinking before acting, staying calm under pressure, and making positive choices, even when we feel upset, excited, or frustrated.  For children, self-control helps them:

• Stay focused on learning
• Follow rules and routines
• Get along with others
• Solve problems in peaceful ways
• Build resilience and confidence

Like any skill, self-control takes time and practice to develop.  We are teaching students to:

• Stop, think and choose before they act
• Use words to express feelings calmly
• Stay focused during learning time
• Respect others' space and turn-taking.

You can support this learning at home by:

• Talking about situations where self-control is needed
• Praising calm, thoughtful behaviour
• Practising strategies like deep breathing or counting to five before reacting