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Anxiety Autism Burnout Demand Avoidance EHCPs Low Demand Parenting Mental Health Neurodiversity SEN School Screens Trauma
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Earlier this year, I went to see Wicked at the theatre with my daughter. I had no idea what it was about in advance except that it led into The Wizard of Oz. I expected it to be a light evening’s entertainment.
One of the mysteries of life for me is why we have designed school in such a way that it requires children to do so many things which are very hard for them - and which become much easier in adulthood.
I’ve often heard children told that their brains are ‘differently wired’ as a reason for why they struggle with things which other children find easier. It’s an easy metaphor to reach for, and it’s definitely better than telling them that it’s their fault or that they aren’t making enough effort.
We’d say ‘of course they can’t sit still’ and we’d create classrooms to move around in. We’d get rid of rooms full of tiny chairs and desks except for a space for those who like a table to draw or write stories.