Understanding an Holistic Approach to Education: Why It Matters
At Lincoln Inclusive Tutoring, we believe in the power of a holistic approach to education—an approach that considers the whole child or young person, not just their academic abilities. This means focusing not only on what students are learning but also on how they are feeling, their social and emotional development, and the challenges they face in their personal lives. By incorporating emotional, social, and practical life skills alongside traditional academic learning, we aim to create a more balanced and well-rounded educational experience for all students, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those requiring alternative provision.
One key statistic that supports the impact of this approach is that students with stronger social and emotional skills are 10 times more likely to succeed academically (Source: CASEL, 2019). By focusing on building resilience and emotional intelligence, we give students the tools to overcome challenges, reduce anxiety, and feel more confident in their learning environment.
What Is a Holistic Approach to Education?
A holistic approach to education goes beyond textbooks and exams. It takes into account all aspects of a child's development—emotional, social, physical, and cognitive. The goal is to nurture the child or young persons intellectual capabilities while also promoting emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience. A holistic approach recognises that each student is unique, with different needs, learning styles, and personal experiences. This method strives to support students in becoming well-rounded individuals who are prepared not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.
Key Components of a Holistic Education:
Emotional Well-Being: One of the core aspects of a holistic approach is emotional well-being. It’s essential that a learner feels supported emotionally to thrive academically. For many children and young adults, especially those with additional learning needs, the emotional aspect of learning can often be just as important as the academic. We incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) techniques, mindfulness exercises, and Zones of Regulation to help students manage their emotions, understand their feelings, and develop coping strategies for when things get tough.
Social Skills Development: Students need more than just academic knowledge; they also need to be equipped with social skills. In a holistic approach, there is a significant emphasis on building healthy relationships, learning conflict resolution, and gaining the ability to communicate effectively with peers, teachers, and other members of society. These skills not only help students navigate the school environment but also prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
Personalised Learning Plans: No two students are the same, and therefore no two learning experiences should be the same. At Lincoln Inclusive Tutoring, we create personalised learning plans that are tailored to the needs, strengths, and interests of each individual student. Whether it’s finding ways to incorporate a student’s interests, like art or animals, into their learning or using visual aids and hands-on materials to support comprehension, we aim to engage students in meaningful ways that resonate with them personally.
Life Skills and Independence: An holistic education isn’t just about preparing students for academic tests; it’s also about teaching them the life skills they need to thrive in the world. These include problem-solving, time management, self-care, independence, and even financial literacy. For students with SEND or those who require alternative provision, teaching them to be independent—whether through organising their learning space, managing their emotions, or engaging with others—helps them prepare for adulthood, both socially and vocationally.
Physical Development: Many children and young adults, especially those with learning challenges or behavioural difficulties, can find it hard to engage with schoolwork for extended periods. Physical activity plays an essential role in their development, not only because it helps to improve motor skills but also because it offers a way to release energy, build focus, and improve overall well-being. We encourage active breaks, outdoor activities, and even tailored programs that involve gross motor skills and physical exercise, ensuring that physical development is also a priority in the learning process.
How a Holistic Approach Benefits Learning at Home:
The beauty of a holistic approach is that it’s not just something that works in a school setting. It’s something that can be used at home, too. In fact, when students are taught in an environment where their emotions and mental well-being are prioritised, it can improve their focus and engagement, even in a home-learning setting. Parents can incorporate some key elements of a holistic education at home to make learning more engaging and accessible. Here are some easy-to-use strategies that you can try:
1. Use Zones of Regulation for Emotional Awareness
Zones of Regulation is a great tool for helping children understand and manage their emotions. By using visual cues and colour-coded charts, students can identify how they’re feeling at any given moment and decide on a strategy to help them feel calm and focused. If your child feels frustrated or overwhelmed during a learning session, they can use this system to identify their emotional state and choose the best way to reset before continuing. This helps prevent emotional meltdowns and keeps the learning environment productive and peaceful.
2. Engage Through Personal Interests and Activities
Learning should not feel like a chore, especially for children who have struggled to engage in more traditional settings. By incorporating a child’s personal interests, whether it’s animals, photography, or even art projects, you can make lessons much more enjoyable. For example, if your child enjoys animals, create learning opportunities where they can study animal biology, write about their favourite animals, or even create animal-related artwork. When children connect learning to things they enjoy, it fosters a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
3. Incorporate Sensory Breaks and Movement
For children who may feel overwhelmed or find it hard to focus for long periods, integrating physical movement into learning is key. Sensory breaks—whether that’s a short walk, some light stretching, or even some time to play with sensory toys—can make a huge difference in their ability to concentrate. Research shows that short physical activities throughout the day not only improve mood but also boost cognitive function, memory, and creativity.
Holistic Education is Key to Success
At Lincoln Inclusive Tutoring, we’re passionate about creating well-rounded learners who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent, confident, and socially equipped for the world ahead. By using a holistic approach to education, we help children and young adults build the skills they need to succeed—not just in school but in life.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your child succeed, feel free to contact us for more information on our holistic approach to tutoring.
Next Month's Blog - The Role of Parents in Personalised Learning
Stay tuned for more updates and next month's blog which will be focusing on 'The Role of Parents in Personalised Learning'. Together, we can create an inclusive future where every child and young adult has the opportunity to thrive!
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