Hi mums net,
My names is Stacie Danvers.
I am a primary SEN teacher in Bristol.
I know my purpose is to make education and the lives of SEN and disadvantaged children better.
I have decided to write a children's book series aimed primarily at SEND children but also their families and other A-typical children.
The goal is to break down the stigma of SEN and teach about the different types, difficulties they face and strategies to help - whilst highlighting the positives.
I have decided to characterise as dogs, so the series will be called The Dog Park. Why? Because everyone loves dogs! As well, the illustrations will be more fun and engaging.
Each books main character will be a different breed of dog with a different special need or disadvantage children experience, so they can relate and connect to the book, whilst providing strategies that could help them and their families.
Some examples to give you an idea (although not set on names) include:
Ronny the Rotty - Emotional regulation
Adele the Afghan hound- ADHD in girls
Pepper the poodle - PDA
Milo the Mastiff - Mute
Dug the Dalmatian - Down syndrome
Each page will explore a difficulty they experience and the other dogs will try to come up with strategies to help them until they find one that works for them.
The draft blurb:
The Dog Park is a safe place to come and be yourself. Some dogs need help to accept themselves and others, like humans, need help to do the right thing. Together we are a pack.
So, to the point of this long post...
Although I have worked with 100s of children and have experience of 10s of different needs, I want the books to have a more personal touch.
Therefore, if you would like to, I would like to know about a child or person in your life. No age, no location or any identifiable information. Just their name and about them, so that on the second page I can write 'Dedicated to Harrison' or whomever.
If you are interested in supporting this endeavour, could you email the following to my email address: [email protected]
- SEN or circumstance
- their likes
- their dislikes
- what they are good at
- what they need help with/ triggers
- what strategy helps
- Anything else you would like to add about their amazing personalities :)
Many thanks!
Stacie