Education
“From a teacher’s perspective, the programme has supported topics covered in PSHE, such as, feelings we have in different situations and how we respond to them and treat others. Additionally, it has been great to see the children’s confidence increase, so they felt more than comfortable to share their thoughts and experiences with each other.’
— Primary School Teacher, Brighton
Suitable for primary or secondary schools. Watch and Wonder needs a minimum of:
- One Watch and Wonder Facilitator – a trained member of school staff, possibly Teacher; LSA; Family support worker.
- A class of children/young people!
- Parent and baby – either as a volunteer in the classroom or the video resource, which ‘Watch and Wonder’ provide.
- 10-30 minutes a week for a school year including an opportunity for reflective discussion at the end of each session.
An attachment focused, relational way of watching and wondering about the parent and baby’s relationship together.
As children watch, guided by their facilitator to enjoy wondering about behaviour, feelings, and what would you do if you were the parent or child…etc., this process enables children’s curiosity and helps young people to develop emotional language; essential life skills; self-regulation; self-esteem; respect; empathy and self-understanding.
Watch and Wonder has been described by trainees as attachment theory and trauma informed theory in practice.
‘Watch and Wonder has provided time for children to express themselves freely and engage with their own feelings and empathise with those of mother and baby. Over time I have noticed these skills filter into daily life in the classroom. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the children interpret and observe in the session.’
Year 3 Teacher
What children notice, how they express what they notice and feel, and how they express what they think the baby or the parent may feel, often startles their teachers; they marvel at the children’s depth of insight and connection.
Children who have previously been too shy to contribute ideas, or others who have rarely shown sensitivity, find words that clearly show their engagement and empathy.
Visitors to Watch and Wonder groups often comment on how focused the children are, how fascinated they are watching the mother and baby, and how they clearly regard them as an important part of their community.
Mothers consistently say how much they enjoy the experience; babies seem to revel in the calm time with their mothers’ or fathers’ undivided attention. They also respond with delight to the children’s smiles of admiration when they achieve some new skill.
Teachers and others who become Facilitators find the experience deeply rewarding, full of unexpected and creative moments.