Peer Support Program - 2023

Week 5 

We introduced a 3 step model this week to encourage resilient responses; Pause, Plan Proceed. The children took part in an activity to identify their feelings and the immediate effects on their bodies i.e. butterflies in the stomachs. The normalcy of feelings was acknowledged and the importance of being proactive was stressed. The children learned that pausing when they are emotional is helpful. They can do this by being still, taking a deep breath or counting to 10. Pausing gives children space to see a situation more accurately before planning a response.

Ask your child to describe the 3 steps of the model and what is involved in each one.

Week 6

This week the focus is on step 2 of the model, Plan. In Peer Support children learn the need to develop a range of coping strategies and be creative in drawing on these when planning responses. Responses include persevering, seeing the positive side to situations and engaging in activities they enjoy as a distraction for a short time.

Encourage your child to talk with you about strategies they could use as difficulties arise.