VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Academic success to support behavioral and mental health
Academic success to support behavioral and mental health
Academic success to support behavioral and mental health
Friday 12th January 2024
Gabrielle Wilcox reveals the vital link between children's academic success and mental health in this insightful People First Radio episode.
21 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Insightful
Reassuring
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Get the buttons here!Connecting Classroom Success with Children's Mental Health
Episode Overview
- Gabrielle Wilcox emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between academic success and mental well-being, advocating for a holistic approach.
- Insights into the impact of early academic difficulties on children's behavioural and emotional challenges, highlighting the need for foundational academic skills.
- Discussion on the pivotal role of early literacy, reading proficiency, and tailored educational support in nurturing student well-being.
- Practical guidance for parents and educators, promoting a nurturing, non-punitive approach to academic support and mental health.
- Call for a re-evaluation of prevalent 'either-or' thinking in education systems, urging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to student development.
So, if you don't have access to that, it really limits your ability to access the world. And when you say if you don't have access to that, would that be not having access to that in a school environment or you are coming into school, like not having learned it already? So there are kids enter school with different levels of readiness for reading but there are lots of kids who aren't reading when they get to school who when they get instruction in connecting sounds with letters are able to access it really well.
Picture a classroom where kids not only excel academically but also thrive emotionally. Gabrielle Wilcox, an associate professor of school and applied child psychology at the University of Calgary, unpacks this vision in this episode of People First Radio. Drawing from her rich background as a school psychologist, Wilcox explains how academic success and mental well-being are deeply intertwined.
She shares her experiences and research, emphasizing that early academic struggles can ripple into emotional and behavioral issues if not addressed early on. Wilcox stresses the importance of building strong foundational skills, especially in literacy, to help children feel a sense of belonging and achievement. She also highlights the pivotal role of educators and parents in offering the right support, advocating for a balanced approach that nurtures both academic and emotional growth.
Her insights challenge the traditional 'either-or' mindset in education, urging for a more holistic view that sees academic success and mental health as two sides of the same coin. With practical tips for early intervention and ongoing support, this episode is a treasure trove for parents and teachers aiming to foster a supportive learning environment.
Wilcox’s thoughtful discussion invites us to rethink how we approach education and mental health, making it clear that nurturing both is essential for our children's overall well-being.