Books can be a great way to help pupils manage difficult emotions such as feeling lonely. This download contains a PDF full of classroom activities from literacy expert Jo Cummins. They are all based around the picturebook When I Feel Lonely, by Britta Teckentrup
Why teach When I Feel Lonely?
In an age where an increasing number of social interactions take place online and where the number of social media platforms is ever expanding, levels of loneliness amongst the general population are on the increase.
The ‘loneliness epidemic’ is particularly prevalent amongst young people, who may not yet have developed the strategies and resilience to manage their own mental wellbeing and seek support if needed. Why is it that young people can have hundreds of ‘friends’ online, but feel lonely and isolated at home?
Books can allow teachers to create a safe space for their children to explore tricky emotions and develop useful strategies to help themselves and their peers.
Many of you will already be familiar with the beautiful work of author and illustrator, Britta Teckentrup. In her latest title, When I Feel Lonely, she explores a journey from the perspective of a young girl as she walks the path from loneliness and isolation to finding friendship.
Teckentrup uses her trademark illustrative style and poetic language to sensitively unpack the feeling of loneliness: that it’s completely normal, but can also be uncomfortable and unsettling at times. She also ensures that there are glimmers of the hope of happier times ahead despite the present darkness.
Jo Cummins is an experienced primary school teacher and English leader with a passion for children’s books and mental health awareness. She currently works for a specialist educational provision in Hampshire in a teaching and advisory role. Follow her on X at @BookSuperhero2.
