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At St Joseph’s we have delved into the fundamental concept of ‘Practice Makes Permanent’.

We've all heard the saying ‘practice makes perfect,’ but perhaps a more accurate reference is ‘practice makes permanent’. It's not just about repeating actions mindlessly, but about deliberate, focused effort that ingrains habits and skills into our daily lives.

Understanding the Principle:

Imagine your child learning to ride a bicycle. Initially, they wobble and stumble, but with consistent practice, they become steadier. Why? Because their brain and body are adapting to the repeated actions, reinforcing the neural pathways that control balance and coordination.

The Neuroscience Behind It:

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganise and adapt, plays a crucial role. Each time your child practices a skill, whether it's solving math problems or playing a musical instrument, their brain forms and strengthens connections related to that activity. The more they practice correctly, the stronger and more efficient these connections become.

Embracing the Process:

Encourage your child to approach practice with intention and patience. Remind them that progress might not always be linear – there will be highs and lows along the way. It's about embracing the process, learning from mistakes, and persisting despite challenges.

Quality Over Quantity:

Effective practice isn't just about clocking in hours; it's about quality over quantity. Encourage your child to focus on specific aspects they want to improve, break tasks into manageable chunks, and engage in deliberate practice – that is, practising with a clear goal and receiving feedback.

Celebrating Growth:

Acknowledge and celebrate your child's efforts and progress, no matter how small. Recognising their improvement reinforces their motivation and resilience, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and skill development.

In essence, "practice makes permanent" illustrates the importance of consistent effort and mindful repetition in skill acquisition and mastery. By instilling this principle in your child's routine, you equip them with a lifelong tool for success in academics, extracurricular activities, and beyond.

Together, let's empower our children to embrace the journey of learning, knowing that with dedication and perseverance, they can turn practice into permanent progress.

Examples of this may include:

Spelling, baking a cake, learning and understanding multiplication facts, tying shoelaces, typing and learning to ride a bike.

Leanne Skinner 
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor