At the start of 2020, the world as we knew it began to shift and change. Challenges we thought we’d never have to face came to the surface and many of us found ourselves out of work or navigating very different day-to-day lives. With the lyrics ‘bored in the house and I’m in the house bored’ ringing in my ears, I was determined not to let the constant wave of negative media and necessary restrictions keep me from finding something purposeful and creative to do with this time I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
As a teacher I understand that young people are going through an enormous amount of fear and misunderstanding and I to wanted explore this experience in a way that children could understand, while reminding them of the connection and unity that can be found during this time, and so, We’re All In This Together was born.
My mission was to write an engaging children’s book using the power of storytelling to explore what impact Covid-19 is having on children, in a way that asks them to reflect on their own experiences, promotes resilience and serves as an essential reminder that we really are all in this together.
Humans are natural storytellers, and we all have multi-storied lives. In my eyes, they are the primary form in which the human experience is made meaningful. Our young people are just beginning to write the first chapters of their story, and this time in history will live vividly in their minds - influencing their perception of the world in ways we can’t possibly understand yet.
Facilitating conversations with young people about important things happening in the world is essential to normalising their emotions and experiences. The questions, worries and uncertainty that arise for us as adults are taken on board by the highly perceptive little friends in our homes and classrooms. As our students write this chapter of their lives, we can assist through creating a safe and nurturing space for them to acknowledge their emotions, foster resilience building and deepen their understanding of empathy and the concept of community.
Things have changed, things are new, and some things (as we’ve heard time and again now) will simply be the ‘new normal’. It is important to have dialogue and stories ready to use to approach conversations with children about these changes. We’re All In This Together is a tool that can be used to do just that, start the conversation.
As a teacher I understand that young people are going through an enormous amount of fear and misunderstanding and I to wanted explore this experience in a way that children could understand, while reminding them of the connection and unity that can be found during this time, and so, We’re All In This Together was born.
My mission was to write an engaging children’s book using the power of storytelling to explore what impact Covid-19 is having on children, in a way that asks them to reflect on their own experiences, promotes resilience and serves as an essential reminder that we really are all in this together.
Humans are natural storytellers, and we all have multi-storied lives. In my eyes, they are the primary form in which the human experience is made meaningful. Our young people are just beginning to write the first chapters of their story, and this time in history will live vividly in their minds - influencing their perception of the world in ways we can’t possibly understand yet.
Facilitating conversations with young people about important things happening in the world is essential to normalising their emotions and experiences. The questions, worries and uncertainty that arise for us as adults are taken on board by the highly perceptive little friends in our homes and classrooms. As our students write this chapter of their lives, we can assist through creating a safe and nurturing space for them to acknowledge their emotions, foster resilience building and deepen their understanding of empathy and the concept of community.
Things have changed, things are new, and some things (as we’ve heard time and again now) will simply be the ‘new normal’. It is important to have dialogue and stories ready to use to approach conversations with children about these changes. We’re All In This Together is a tool that can be used to do just that, start the conversation.
Skye Hughes was born in
Adelaide but spent much of her childhood travelling around Australia in a
caravan with her three younger siblings and parents.
She is a high school
teacher, youth program facilitator and big fan of Nutella donuts. Skye
currently lives in Melbourne and when she isn’t writing children’s books,
looking after her house plants or teaching young people, you will find her
travelling the globe and connecting with people from all walks of life.
It is these connections
that inspire her to keep growing, learning and creating beautiful memories.
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