Essential Listening Skills for Busy School Staff: What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say

How do you listen to the boy in your class whose mother is dying? Or to the girl who's feeling worthless? How do you respond to a boy who feels like giving up? Or to a girl who's so angry that she's threatening to hit someone? As a member of staff in school, it can be hard to know how to help when pupils or colleagues turn to you for support. What if you don't know what to say, or there isn't enough time to stop and listen? How do you show that you understand? What about confidentiality?

This accessible book answers all these difficult questions, showing you how you can listen and respond effectively in order to provide support to those who need it. It also covers how to help in particular situations or with certain issues, such as bullying, relationship difficulties, depression, and self-harm. This handy guide will be invaluable to all those working in schools, helping staff to make the school environment supportive and happy, and pupils and staff to feel listened to, respected and safe.