I was never an enormous fan of the Carpenters (I prefer something a bit rockier) but I happened to see a documentary on Karen Carpenter last week and it was really interesting although very sad. I thought the title at least was appropriate for my first blog post.
Anyway, I hope I will be able to update my blog every couple of weeks and chat about some of the things that have got me thinking. The first three weeks have absolutely flown by and I am sitting with a cup of coffee in my house thinking about how much has happened already. I have been made to feel very welcome by all the children, staff and families and although I still have many of you to meet I am definitely getting there with the children’s names!
One of the main developments we will be getting on with this year is the development of well-being and resilience in our children. Along with all the other schools in the Falkirk High Learning Community we have chosen to focus on a programme called BounceBack. We will be developing this programme over this session and beyond helping our children focus on key messages about resilience and to recognise that they have the skills, knowledge and attitudes to flourish and grow. I am sure that many of your children have been speaking about Bounce Back time where the whole class sits together and eats for a short time and talks about some of the days issues either within class or with a wider perspective. This is a key part of our introduction to the development of resilience within the school and we are looking forward to seeing it progress over the years.
These 10 points below come from the Centre for Confidence and Wellbeing who have lots of really interesting resources and background to the approach we are taking.
1.Remember, bad feelings: don’t last; have a purpose; and galvanise us to do things differently.
2.Try to normalise young people’s set-backs. Help them to see they are not abnormal in having difficulties in life.
3.Help them to see that problems can be solved.
4.Encourage young people to keep things in perspective – the problem is usually confined to only one part of their lives.
5.Remember the value of humour – laughing can be a great release (but only if it is well-intentioned).
6.Encourage young people to accept responsibility for their actions.
7.When reading stories, or discussing events, point out how people manage to overcome difficulties.
8.Remember that learning is often frustrating. Encourage young people to persist and believe they can get there.
9.Provide support. Help them to see there are people who care about them and can give them help and advice when needed.
10.Create a positive environment, that emphasises the importance of relationships and a sense of purpose: there is more to life than the way they feel.
