KU PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Quarterly
KU Children ’ s Services EDITION 4 2020
IN THIS EDITION
In this issue of the Quarterly , in line with the National Children ’ s Week theme , we explore friendship . The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ' friend ' as ‘ one attached to another by affection or esteem ’. Throughout our life , friendships have an important and profound impact – support , companionship , joy , laughter , empathy . Our friends are there with us through thick and thin . Friendships have a huge impact on our mental health and happiness . It is human nature to want the support and closeness of others . Navigating friendships can be a tricky part of childhood – we are not born with the skills and it takes a long time to develop them . However , for children , forming friendships is significant to emerging social skills and self-confidence . Children ’ s sense of connection and belonging is enhanced when they have a friend . Our generous and insightful writers this month give us their experiences , thoughts and musings about friendship .
CONTENTS
A Pedagogy of Friendship – By Fran Bastion , KU Professional Learning Team
Growing Connections , Making Friends – By Di Enks , KU Education Support Team
Distant Friends – A Story by Bei Bei Liu , KU Bradfield Park
Can Teachers Be Friends ? Children Offer Their Thoughts and Theories
The Currency of Friendship – An Educator ’ s Musings , Honeybee Child Care Centre
We Are All in This Together – By KU Sunbeam Preschool
Off the Bookshelf
KU Professional Learning
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