Staring out the Window

Who has heard of Willowton? Nobody? Anybody heard of a company called Hulamin? Nobody?

In years past, a trip on a train, a bus, a wagon, or even a car could be tedious. One way to relieve the tedium was to look out the window.

Most people, especially children, no longer stare out of the window (with the exception of the driver – usually, but not always). We all know why.

The consequence is that children, in particular, are denied the visual stimulation and the orientating that accompany staring out the window. The conversations that could be precipitated by something that catches the eye – a new building under construction, a small landslide, the fungi-like appearance of a new informal settlement – these do not happen.

Young people who have had the benefit of a good home, good care and a good diet are so capable, and so primed for learning. But not all the learning that could happen is happening.

This is particularly noticeable in discussions around Geography (the nature and relative arrangement of places and physical features).

Children can benefit from a trip in a bus, a car or a taxi, but only if they have their chins up and are looking out of the window. Virtual reality has its place; like, a trip down a volcano or through a tropical jungle. However, virtual travel must augment real life experiences, not replace them.

To optimise your child’s experience of the world, to broaden their minds and horizons, to prime them for formal study, get them to look out the window. Device off, in the cubby hole and try out a good old stare. No pane, no gain. – Mr Graham Stewart-Burger (Deputy Principal)