I recently asked teachers to name key things they would like to know about a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who was about to come into their class or year level. These discussions revealed some common suggestions: What are the behaviour triggers for the child? What are their likes and interests? How much […]
Many people, including young children and adolescents, struggle with anxiety on a daily basis. Australian school psychologists have identified anxiety as the most common issue encountered in their work with students and their families in primary schools;[1] with one in five children and adolescents having elevated symptoms of anxiety.[2] High levels of anxiety negatively impact […]
Australian school psychologists have identified anxiety as the most common issue encountered in their work with students and their families in primary schools.[1] One in five children and adolescents have elevated symptoms of anxiety.[2] Early intervention is key to promoting positive mental health and strong learning outcomes. This ebooklet provides a brief overview of anxiety and a […]
There is often no single cause for anxiety. Common risk factors include having a parent with anxiety, stressful life events, health issues, frequent lack of sleep, neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities and temperament. Children who are exposed to one or more stressful or traumatic life events are more likely to have high levels of anxiety. Such […]
As mid-year approaches and reports are prepared, the issue of how to better assist disengaged and unmotivated students often comes to the forefront. Unmotivated children tend to opt out, do the bare minimum required and can be difficult to teach. They may be unwilling to participate in discussions, frequently look bored, tune out, distract others, […]
Depression is a mental illness that negatively affects thinking, perceptions, emotions and behaviours. The impact of depression on a child is more severe than any other mental health disorder. [1] Lawrence D, Johnson S, Hafekost J, Boterhoven De Haan K, Sawyer M, Ainley J, Zubrick SR (2015) The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. Report […]
By Sandra English Psych4Schools Guest Blogger The online behaviour of young people attracts significant discussion, with some experts attributing negative outcomes, including mental health issues to online engagement. Some studies have noted that the increased time spent time on social media may contribute to negative body image [1], sleeping difficulties [2] or symptoms of depression.[3] […]
By Jemima Hutton Psych4Schools Guest Blogger Dear teachers, This is the second of two blogs, the first related to reading, and this one to writing. Both use scenarios to help you consider ways to implement digital technologies in your classroom. I have specifically written this way in the hope that you will act, not […]
By Jemima Hutton Psych4Schools Guest Blogger Dear teachers, At 19 years of age, I still act like a total child when it comes to writing something like this blog. I am simply overwhelmed and quite frankly, intimidated by the enormity of the task. The irony of a dyslexic writing about how other dyslexics can engage […]
Separation anxiety is part of normal childhood development. It begins around six months of age and typically resolves by the time children complete preschool. A healthy level of separation anxiety indicates the development of a close bond and attachment to the primary caregiver. However, about 4 per cent of primary school age children experience excessive […]
Welcome back to our Members and eNews Subscribers. A special welcome to new members who have joined in recent days. This is a busy time of year as teachers, support staff and other school professionals meet new students, organise programs, teaching and learning activities and resources. We would like to share five ideas that you […]
Would you like to work with Psych4Schools? Consult with us for up to 5 hours a week working from home or other suitable locations in your State or Territory. This role involves research, creation and development of publishable materials and assisting with social media. You will be registered by the Psychology Board of Australia and […]
By Guest Blogger Melbourne Psychologist Jeannine Mills It’s normal to feel lonely every now and then but feeling lonely a lot of the time can be worrying. Loneliness is a ‘disconnection from others and refers to a negative perception of one’s relationships’[1]Peplau & Perlman 1982, referenced in M. H. Lim, (August 2018) Is Loneliness Australia’s […]
This week we released the revised Working with children with intellectual disability (revised) ebooklet. The revised ebooklet includes recommendations for how to help students with a mild to moderate intellectual disability in the classroom. Topics covered include: Working with a teachers aide and others in the classroom General classroom strategies Giving instructions Make reasonable adjustments to […]
A few years ago, I worked with Toby*, a Year 2 boy with dyslexia who was having trouble controlling his anger in the classroom. When he perceived tasks as too hard he would scrunch up work, throw pens, workbooks and other materials, sometimes yell, swear, and on rare occasions hit and push other students. Over […]
At this time of the year peer acceptance and friendship issues often come to a head, requiring teacher support to assist children to manage and resolve their difficulties. Whatever the time of the year, children and adolescents who find it difficult to make friends frequently feel lonely and unhappy. They are also at risk of […]