Creativity – one of the many pleasures of a child's life. Whether it’s drawing or colouring, or dancing or playing it's important children are given the freedom to express and explore whatever they would like to. Golden time - just an hour, dedicated to this, might seem insignificant to most, but can be hugely beneficial to a child's life. So, why does golden time matter?
Golden time is a period of time given aside from teaching when students engage in some fun and different activities. This is normally at the end of the school week on Fridays but can vary for different schools. It’s a time for children to put down their pens and pencils and slide away from their schoolbooks and reflect on the week they’ve had. It is a popular positive classroom management strategy and is appreciated by many teachers and children around the country.
Teachers can use this as a way to reward good behaviour throughout the week and even as an incentive for the future. Extra golden time can be rewarded for consistent cooperation in the classroom, congratulating and encouraging behaviours such as working particularly hard on a topic, listening carefully in class and more.
Research tells us that the removal of a privilege or treat is the best encouragement of discipline and commitment, so this can help teachers create a healthy learning environment. With a consequence for their actions, children learn about the difference between positive behaviour and keeping to the rules, and disruptive or unhelpful behaviour that stops everyone moving forward.
Golden time is also a great way to finish the school week and give a head start to the fun weekend ahead, ensuring children have a positive experience every week and can look forward to returning to school on Monday. It's also a great chance for pupils to try new things, explore a topic that interests them in more detail, or just simply have fun!
“I like golden time because everyone can do what they want to and it’s an opportunity to take a break from work “explained Sruthi S, a student in Year 5. She expressed her enjoyment in having Golden time and recounted enthusiastically many of the various activities and games she took part in.
Even if it’s a chance to practice your drawing skills, or to catch up with your friends, or simply a much-deserved break from the stressful days of the school week, both teachers and students can reap the benefits of Golden Time, which is why it matters so much.
