WIDE-AWAKE CLUB
During the Autumn Term, of 2008, we re-launched our early morning CPOC Self-Help Club as Wide-Awake Club, followed by an afternoon session, on 17th November, to explain how our Club operates. This involved demonstrations of exercises and a discussion about a series of stories we are putting together, with the children, linked to the social and emotional aspects of Learning (SEAL). The children attend the club on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings - from 0825 to 08.45 - with a maximum of forty pupils and adults, as the manageable number within the space provided by our school hall. We operate a waiting list on a 'first come first served' basis.
We use a multi—sensory approach with a variety of exercises to promote hand-eye co-ordination, spatial awareness, balance, listening skills, memory, hand-motor sequencing, concentration and so on. As the title suggests, the children go to class 'wide awake' and hopefully better prepared for the challenge ahead. We cannot make any claims for how this impacts upon academic performance, but as one parent said about her children:
"…their concentration has improved and this helps set them up for the school day. The exercises they practise help them in their confidence, as their speed and accuracy improves. After moving from Year 3 they became instructors and learnt to teach some of these exercises to the younger children, which helps them mature and gives them responsibility. They were able to act as role models."
It is this family aspect of the club that is so pleasing, with children of all ages working together and supporting each other. Neither is the club about identifying children with specific levels of ability, but involves those from across the ability range. This is significant, because it raises self-esteem and encourages a team approach to learning. Anybody is welcome to come and see what we do, with those interested in becoming volunteer instructors always welcome!
REASONING CLUB
Reasoning Club is available for those children in the extension groups, from Year 2 to Year 6, and held on Wednesday afternoons for Year 5 - 6 and Thursday afternoons for Years 2 - 4, as an after-school club. Yes, we use verbal reasoning books to work through, but we like to go beyond that to explore thinking skills, examing different learning styles and how the brain works.
Many children, who join in Year 2, carry on attending right through until Year 6. The club operates every term, as continuity of progress is essential for those taking part. Children, in the extension groups, are invited to attend if we think they will benefit from the challenge. At the same time, all requests to join are considered, but the limiting factor is always one of space and keeping the group to a size where the teacher/pupil ratio is beneficial.
