I recently came across this exercise in empathy in a book I’m reading. I believe everyone working with children, should consider this:
Imagine going in to work every day, having to complete tasks that you don’t fully understand and that you find hard.
Imagine not being able to complete all these tasks in the allotted time. Your line manager says you must stay after work to complete the tasks, even though you don’t understand what is being asked of you.
You feel incapable most of the time but you have to stay in this workplace for the next seven years.
Imagine having no control over what you do and when you do it. You have a set start and finish time and only take breaks when you’re told to.
You have to sit next to someone you dislike because your boss tells you that’s your place to sit.
Now read this again, imagining this is a child at school. Makes you think, eh?
What can we do to change the experiences of so many children? Even the smallest change can make a big difference.