The Importance of Practice
Practice is at the heart of building confidence and driving the progress we celebrate at this point in the year. Throughout the Lower School, students engage in a variety of meaningful practice opportunities. In kindergarten, you might find students reading aloud to their Australian stuffed animals, building confidence in their oral reading skills. Reading to an inanimate object removes the pressure of an audience, allowing children to practice comfortably and develop greater fluency.
In third grade, step into a classroom and you may see students recording themselves reading their persuasive essays. By listening to their recordings, they analyze how their tone and expression enhance their arguments, refining their ability to communicate persuasively. Third graders are also immersed in rehearsals for their French play, seeking out quiet corners to practice their lines—first alone, then with a partner, and eventually in front of an audience. These intentional practice opportunities not only strengthen academic skills but also foster confidence, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment.
Each week at Share, we also take time to celebrate students who practice our Core Values of Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, and Equity. This week’s Gator nominees included a group of students who took responsibility for cleaning up a spill in the classroom, another who used respectful words when navigating a tricky playground disagreement, and a third who kindly offered a tool to a friend who was working through a moment of frustration. As adults, we know that it takes conscious practice to embody our values and integrate them into our everyday interactions. Acknowledging these moments of practice each week at Share helps to build students’ confidence and pride in their skills as community members.
These are just a few of the ways that students across the Lower School are building academic and social-emotional skills through intentional practice. From oral reading fluency to being a kind and respectful friend, practicing in supportive and creative ways helps them gain the skills needed to progress and succeed.
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462
As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.