We have recently received a Grant from PeaceIV and are now in a position to offer “Buddy Benches” free to a number of Schools and Playgroups. Please write to us in the first instance and we will contact you with further details. email us at office@carrickfergusmensshed.co.uk
Stop loneliness in the playground with a Buddy Bench
Does your school have a buddy bench? It is a great way of preventing loneliness and building friendships.
Every parent wants their child to be happy and the idea of them feeling lonely or isolated at school can be a big worry.
School playgrounds can be very busy and noisy places. When the playtime or lunchtime bell goes, hundreds of children rush outside for their little bit of freedom.
For the more outgoing children there are usually no concerns at break times. They find their friends and play all sorts of different games. If they can’t find their usual group of friends they simply join in with someone else’s game.
This may not be the case for less confident children or for children who are new to a school. They may have just s few close friends and if they cannot find them, or if they happen to be doing something they don’t want to do, the playground can become quite lonely and intimidating.
The rules of the Buddy Bench are simple for children – if they see someone sitting on the bench, they approach them and ask if they want to play. Every pupil in the school is encouraged to follow this rule but school staff can also appoint special Bench monitors. The monitors would normally be some of the older pupils and their job is to make sure anyone on the bench finds someone to talk to or play with. (School staff supervising the playground can also oversee this).
Everything about the bench seems positive. As well as helping the children who are feeling lonely it also helps other children develop empathy towards their fellow pupils and a sense of responsibility.