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University of Exeter
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Friendship across the ages

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Friendship across the ages

Key Points

Children who struggle with being impulsive, over-active or concentrating may make friends or bonds with people who are different in age to them- be it adults, older or younger children. This strategy is to get you thinking about who the social networks are for the toolkit student.


How is this tweaked for flex?

Children who flex is designed for don't always conform to the social norms, but this is usually OK! This strategy is about addressing adult's concerns

Plan
  • Read the short learning notes to get an understanding of the range of relationships and friendships a student who struggles with hyperactivity, impulsivity or attention might have
Do
Review
  • Look at the range of people in the students’ network. Are there any you are have concerns about? Use the reflection template to consider why you have that concern and use the flowchart to understand whether this is a perception you have (about what is ‘normal’ for a student) or whether there is a more valid reason for the concern.
  • How has this activity changed your view of the range of relationships a student may have within school?
  • Talk to your SENCo or a senior colleague and the student’s family about the activity, your thoughts and any remaining concerns you may have
Resources