English: this is my own version of what bullying looks like (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I read this ‘One in five children suffer from school phobia and only 50% of parents are aware’. Daily Mail – Tues 19 February 2013. Oh my word, is this true? What are we doing? Are we really failing our next generation so severely? Are our children so clever that they cover so well. How can we be missing the signs? Have we ever as adults been aware of a child’s world?, Really be truthful, have you any idea what is really going on in their world?
We need to ‘STOP’ and think what affect this is having on our up and coming brilliant minds. How can we get the next generation of amazingness if we are failing 1 in 5, that is far too many; too many for the prisons; gangs; railway arches; you name it, you know they are there!
I am wondering how we can ensure that we do not miss the signs:
Watch out for the following;
Primary:
1: Stressful nights without
2: Resistance in getting up in the morning
3: Consistant Tummy Ache (sometimes known as tummy migraine)
4: Resistance of going into class.
5: Bullying or perceived bullying
High School:
1: Consistent Truancy
2: Reduction in discussions relating to school
3: Bullying
4: Social group changes / diminishing
Being able to communicate with our young in relation to their emotional needs is key to ensuring they feel secure in asking for help, and knowing that it is ok.
How can we train the internal school staff to recognise changes within individuals in the classroom in such a transient subject rotation system? The key is the tutor heads taking time with their tutor group and being open to the young minds and helping them to start understanding themselves as well as workshops for the young to build confidence, understand themselves and the world around them.
Exercise: If/When you recognise and concern with your child or a child in your classroom, ask them to make a personal profile.They can use words, colours and pictures, whichever works for them. Give them space to think about:
What they are good at?
What people Like about them?
How can people support them?
This will allow them to think about who they are and what they are about and by working with them on this you will start to recognise where the concerns lie and find the right people to support you with the change.
KidzBoost 