Do you remember the magic of childhood?

As I reflect on this term I would like to share a fundamental belief I have about a child’s world – it is magical.

From what I have observed during the first seven years of children's lives, it is clear that they will believe just about anything you choose to tell them.  Characters such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell are all wonderful creations, with the ability, among others, to make you feel that you might even fly. I love the fact that children believe anything is possible and that this in turn allows us to see the world through those innocent eyes and, if we are lucky, to continue believing in the magical realm too.  

Of course, as we get older, the head takes over from the heart, the rational from the magical. As adults we tend to forget a more innocent world exists or put it to one side. 

My aim at Westbourne House is to ensure this magical world is still felt. Children often have a richer experience when they connect emotionally rather than rationally. This is
why when your children become mini experts in a subject (please encourage and share their interest!) it is because they are passionately engaged with it. Currently, if I wanted to know about fish and other sea creatures I would ask seven-year-old Finn Quintus. He loves the ocean, speaks avidly and with considerable knowledge about it, and is therefore a sponge when it comes to soaking up information about his passion.

We are about to embark on our Christmas holiday, a magical time of year when Father Christmas visits and reindeers fly. However, the magic is obviously compromised if
children become more focused solely on presents, or on consumption rather than a time to spend with each other and create memories and share our good fortune. Or as Dr.
Anthony Witham, an author, put it, "Too much love never spoils children. Children become spoiled when we substitute presents for presence".

Recently Saskia Tait (aged 7) wrote a letter to Father Christmas asking how he was, if the reindeer were ready and whether the elves had wrapped up all the presents. She
was awarded a certificate for her letter and when she was rewarded for a beautifully written piece of work I asked her why she had not asked for anything. Her response in
front of 100 children was a completely honest one:  ‘I have everything I need,’ she said ― and she is right: love all around her, a beautiful family and a wonderful home and school.

As adults we often lose and forget this feeling, the one of contentment, security and magic that most children sense without thinking. However, we were once children too, and it is this feeling ― without, I hope, seeming too pretentious ― that we aim to nurture in everyone, young and old, who walk into the Pre-Prep. 

Obviously we also want to ensure that the children feel secure and confident, and that they are in a safe environment where they feel they can achieve anything but also be
comfortable enough to make mistakes. But magic has its place, which is why, among other things, we created Willy Wonka’s factory at the beginning of term and latterly our
Winter Wonderland.

I hesitate to tell parents what to do, and I know many, if not all of you, will already do much of the below, but here, in an effort to help keep Christmas simple but magical,
are a few ideas;

• Play games, especially imaginative ones – go on a Bear Hunt or play Pooh Sticks, hide and seek…
• Give them a big cardboard box – children can spend hours turning it into a house, a boat, a castle or a spaceship. Join with them in making up characters to welcome into their world.
• Dress up – as a knight, a princess, a superhero…whenever I walk into Nursery or Reception the children are often dressed up. Every child is unique and this is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the offbeat when they dress up. Make believe is a positive thing and teaches children to think flexibly and to learn how to make sense of their environment. Taking on different roles also encourages social, verbal and problem-solving skills. 

You will know this, but it doesn't hurt to stress it:

• Read a mountain of stories – children who listen to lots of fairy tales and stories develop better communication skills. Read to your child as often as possible - instilling a love of books is one of the best gifts you can give. Storytelling is also an ideal way for children to work through thoughts and feelings they may have and you will love to hear their magical explanations on how everything works.
• Go outside and immerse yourselves in Nature, which can be the ultimate state of learning for many children. They use all their senses when they are out in the elements, running, hiding and jumping. Experiencing their surroundings directly – the rain on their cheeks, the mud on their knees or the snap of a twig when it breaks. It also creates a sense of space in the mind and facilitates creativity.

Finally, it simply remains to reiterate that I love spending time with your children – they amuse, entertain and astound me and my time with them is incredibly special. I would
like to wish them and you a very happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year to share another special – and magical – year with you all.