"Simon Says is a charity which supports children and young adults up to the age of 18 within Hampshire, who have a close relative or friend who has died or is dying. Simon Says helps children to understand what has happened and to help them re-build their lives through appropriate support and information".
Simon Says has done extensive research how the age of a child reflects their understanding of death. Between the ages of 5-10 many changes take place and they become increasingly aware that death is permanent, sometimes violent and could include them. Often when a death occurs close to them, emotions become barriers and we want to work closely with you to ensure no child suffers in silence.
We are pleased to offer you a new class presentation covering emotions related to a bereavement of any kind, from goldfish to grandparent.
Covers Personal, Social and Emotional Developments the presentation opens up the class to discuss these things in a relaxed atmosphere.
Simon Says offers the children a chance to think about remembrance and allows them to feel more at ease to talk about their feelings with members of your staff.
A brief outline of what is covered within the presentation appears below.
- Introductions and explanation of Bereavement
- Words used by adults regarding death and have a show of hands -who has had a pet or someone close die?
- Feelings
- What hurts and what do you say someone?
- Anger, what you should/shouldn’t do and what really helps.
- Who to talk to and how it would help you.
- Remembering them, How? Inc: Game.
- Remembrance Day and anniversaries. Ideas.
- Question time and gifts offered to all the children from Simon Says
You will receive a Schools information pack which covers issues such as:
- Aids for speaking with a pupil about a death in their family
- Tips for speaking with pupils about death
- Learning ideas for classroom activities following the National Curriculum
- Assembly and whole school communication ideas
- Ideas for memorial activities and breaking the news
- Class worksheet for after a Simon Says Presentation
Simon Says understands the presentation would be of use to you as non-teaching time and that the content is within the curriculum.
We feel it is a vital area that needs to be discussed thoroughly at this age, as it is an age of realisation and confusion related to death. In many cases we have seen that anger; confusion and often guilt can complicate changes in their development and lead to more serious problems later in life.
School presentation Fee £50.
Please contact us for more information:
Telephone: 023 8064 7550
Email: info@simonsays.org.uk
