Bluearth programs are designed to improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children, so they can develop healthy lifelong habits and be the best version of themselves. But the people who know their students the best (aka the teachers who educate them day in and day out) are the ones who can really shed a light on our program and its benefits. This is because they can notice changes in students from before and after Bluearth, and whether they’re more engaged, motivated, cooperative or confident.
Furthermore, our programs are dedicated to the development of the teachers we work with, to empower them in their own movement journey and to instil confidence in their ability to create experiences and environments that inspire kids to move more and move well.
In saying this, we love asking teachers and principals from participating schools for feedback on our programs, and how they believe it’s helped their students and school community.
That’s what this blog is about, so read on to find out.
General Comments
“It has provided specific and targeted teaching and learning experiences that emphasise the importance of resilience, self-control and mutual respect. These have become crucial to the development of students in the confident, happy and resilient adult.”
Veronica Braybon, St Joseph’s Primary School Finley, Finley
“In my opinion, I think the greatest benefit is seeing the kids develop their gross motor skills, communication, problem solving, teamwork and resilience all whilst having fun, running around and laughing!”
Samantha Sefton, Bourchier Street Primary School, Shepparton
“Being active; being aware of their bodies and mind how they move and think; working on skills such as self umpiring and spatial awareness; they know it is a safe place where they can participate and attempt new skills and feel supported.”
Kellie Holmes, Glenrowan Primary School, Glenrowan
“Improved listening and ability to focus, improved collaboration, building resilience and self-esteem. Improved self-regulation.”
Natalie Cummaudo, University Park Primary School, St Albans
“We cannot imagine teaching without it. It is literally the best thing we do at school, it has countless benefits. Having made a strong relationship with Mitch over the years has been wonderful, watching the students grow with him and overcome or improve things like anxiety, focus, becoming more resilient and persistent.”
Wendy Rankin, Anglesea Primary School, Anglesea
Comments on Engagement
“My students look forward to all Blue Earth sessions. Some of my students have difficulty retaining/recalling information – however they never forget any of the games/skills they learn from Blue Earth – which goes to show how engaged they are.”
Mikaela Ierano, St Joseph’s Primary School Leeton
“Bluearth has definitely had a positive impact on the physical activity and engagement of both students and teachers.”
Adrian Waters, Bellbrae Primary School
Comments on Teamwork
“I feel that the Bluearth Program has contributed greatly to the students abilities to work collaboratively and use strategies cooperatively with others to achieve a goal.”
Veronica Braybon, St Joseph’s Primary School Finley
“They [the teachers] have witnessed an improvement in the way that the children work together to problem solve.”
Rob Unsworth, St Patrick’s Parish School Albury, Albury
“Students love the physical nature of the program, I can also [see] considerable growth in team building, self umpiring and a development in the students in playing as part of a team and not just for themselves.”
Melissa Stratton, Sacred Heart Primary School Tocumwal
Comments on Relationship Building
“The program whilst focusing on the physical development of the students it is also developing social connections and interactions between students. The program is modelling for class teachers how to easily connect the children to physical activity and how easily this can be adapted to the work of the class teacher.”
Kerri Simpson, Moonee Ponds West Primary School
“Having the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to make strong choices to their coaches and friends. Having an opportunity to work together and build relationships.”
Lisa Thomsen, All Saints Primary School Tumbarumba
Comments on Inclusion
“All students can find a place in the activities design and delivery. The focus is on maximum participation, engagement and enjoyment with others.”
Kerri Simpson
“Great inclusion of students who would otherwise experience difficulty participating.”
Kerrie Hill, St Joseph’s Chiltern, Chiltern
“I believe that the Bluearth program has supported the least active to get involved and have fun. At the same time I feel that those children who are less socially skilled have also been able to get involved and enjoy their time.”
Maryanne Saxby, St Bernard’s Primary School Wangaratta, Beechworth
Comments on Sense of Self
“A strength of Bluearth is the development of a positive sense of self.”
Terry Corrigan, St Patrick’s Primary School Wangaratta, Wangaratta
Comments on Mindfulness
“More students are realizing their emotions and using strategies to stay calm.”
Murray Surkitt, Anglesea Primary School
“The students love the games they play as part of the Bluearth Program and regularly comment on the calmness that they feel at the end of a session.”
Maryanne Saxby, St Bernard’s Primary School Wangaratta, Beechworth
“This program has been a fabulous addition to our school. The program reinforces many of the concepts that we promote as a school. I have particularly noted the development with the students around self-evaluating and check[ing] in on themselves. This is a very important skill and one that the students have utilised beyond the lessons.”
Veronica Braybon, St Joseph’s Primary School Finley, Finley
“The Bluearth has increased the amount of physical activity delivered to the children each week. It has provided ideas for Brain /Movement Breaks and encouraged a mindfulness of how our bodies are travelling and a practise of tuning in to what our bodies might be needing.”
Maryanne Saxby, St Bernard’s Primary School Wangaratta, Beechworth
“Students become mindful and aware of their surroundings. Students reflect on activities and how it made them feel both physically and mentally.”
Lauren Kittelty, Whorouly Primary School, Whorouly
“I value the focus on mindfulness in the program for the effect it has on the children and the personal skills it is developing in the children; skills that will set the children up so that they are more likely to have a happy and positive mindset.”
Chloe Bray, Wangaratta District Special School, Wangaratta
Thank you to all of our wonderful teachers who educate the next generation and who become involved and support the Bluearth way. We appreciate you and all that you do!