Changing our response to change
Jodi Armstrong • May 15, 2020
Changing our response to change
In the world around us there is only one constant guarantee and it is that of change. So much of our environment is transitory particularly during these uncertain times where we face a worldwide pandemic. Our ability and our children's ability to adapt to change is increasingly tested. In the past few weeks’ children have been asked to adapt to being separated from their friends, to a lack of normal schooling and to no more trips to parks, beaches and play areas. They have been asked to accept that they will no longer be able to hug members not of their immediate family even some that they previously spent every day with. They have been asked to adapt to huge changes in their routine and to do this with minimal emotional disturbance. We know that even small changes to a child's world have much more of an impact on them than they do on more mature adults and this emotional turmoil often manifests in different ways. Change should be the most important skill taught, however it is often one we try to protect ourselves and our children from. Our brain is wired to dislike change or something that is unknown. This is a primitive response in order to protect us, however to thrive in adapting situations we need to become comfortable with uncertainty. Children need to continue to feel safe and secure in changing situations so that they can be their best selves and live happy lives. They need to continue to have a strong belief in themselves and their abilities despite changing circumstances around them. They require adaptation when things don't go as they had planned or they are thrown a curveball in life. This is a skill they can then carry with them into adulthood.
So how do we teach this essential skill to our little people? How do we foster this idea that change is necessary and can be good? Here are some ideas;
- Children need to be surrounded by a positive environment and people who love them, who use positive language about the world and who impart foundational beliefs which will affirm their identity.
-In all situations show your child that something good can come of change. Teach them how to find the silver linings.
-When facing a challenge it is important to have unique thinking patterns or ways of looking at a situation. Teach your child how to keep an open mind so that they can identify opportunities for problem solving.
-Do not compare yourself with others and teach your children to do the same. Highlight their unique talents and life privileges so that they learn that nothing is gained by playing the victim.
- When your child is faced with a change, remind them of all the changes they have overcome in the past and how resilient they actually were and are.
-Show your child how to acknowledge their emotions but not always feed into them. Emotions are there to guide us but they are temporary and more positive ones can be chosen.
- Talk to children about difficult changes you have overcome in your life so that they may see that change is inevitable and embracing it will cause less pain than resistance. Share your experiences expressing how each change made you feel and what helped you overcome it.
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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