Children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are fundamental to their success in school and in later life. Full of practical ideas and insights, this interactive guide is designed to empower staff to make a difference to children’s wellbeing and behaviour by using simple and effective strategies that can easily be implemented throughout the school day.
Taking staff on a journey through the school year, the book identifies issues that are relevant to children at certain times of the year, along with practical strategies to address those challenges. Each half term includes space for self-reflection and notes, with key questions to encourage practice evaluation. Based on the author’s extensive experience and conversations with staff working in primary schools, this book:
Developing staff understanding and confidence in responding to and meeting children’s emotional and mental health needs, this invaluable guide will equip teaching assistants, teachers, special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) and senior staff to support children in school and empower them to make a difference to children’s wellbeing and behaviour.
About this book
Introduction
What is this child trying to tell me?
What is reflective language?
Section 1 - Settling in
Section 2 - Christmas festivities
Section 3 - Cementing relationships
Section 4 - The challenging or demanding child
Section 5 - The invisible child
Section 6 - Transition
Conclusion
Index
"The strategies in this book are practical and help staff respond in a more appropriate way. Over time the strategies become part of normal classroom practice which helps staff develop an environment of mutual respect where children feel safe and are able to express feelings in a more appropriate way."
- Headteacher
"I would recommend this book to anyone working with children. It changed the way I approached children, enabling me to be more focused on their emotional needs."
- Teaching Assistant
"Using this guide has changed my everyday practice. I am now more able to see the child instead of the behaviour."
- SENCO
"Using reflective language had an immediate and positive impact on my relationships with the children."
- Year 4 Teacher