According to published statistics, around 70 per cent of schools have a bereaved pupil in their care at any give time, yet many schools are not prepared and equipped to manage this.
This book, written by an experienced primary teacher working alongside the charity Child Bereavement UK, is an excellent and well-developed resource.
The stated aim is to help children to understand that death and dying is not something to be afraid of, and that it is okay to talk about it. It also has a secondary function as it can be an invaluable “emergency” resource to support bereaved children in school.
Essentially the book is a four-part differentiated story with activities to help normalise death and, critically, allow children to develop the emotional literacy to be able to discuss it.
The story is presented at three different age group levels and also for children who speak English as a second language and for those in early years or with learning difficulties.
A great deal of thought has gone in to this title and it also includes an important opening section called “important things to think about before you start”.
This gives the user key practical advice and lots of things to consider when tackling the subject. In fact throughout the publication the highlighted “tips” help to anticipate some of the issues that might be brought up by children.
This is an important addition to the staffroom bookshelf and is highly recommended. Review: Steve Blackman
Helping Children Think About Bereavement by Heather Butler
ISBN: 9780415536851
Price: £22.99
Publisher: www.routledge.com/education