Easy-Easier Posting Box Review
I have been a teacher of children with a range of SEND for 5 years since qualifying in 2013. More recently, including children who have visual impairments (VI). I currently teach children and young people aged from 11 to 19. I am nearing the end of my degree course to gain my Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) status. As a new practitioner to the field of VI I am always looking for pupil led resources. Ones that make a difference to the lives and learning of my pupils with a VI.
Earlier in this academic year I got the opportunity to try the Easy-Easier Posting Box. The premise is simple, but powerful. The children and young people sort a range of statements relating to school life. They sort what they find easy and things they would like to find easier, promoting pupil voice. The language chosen by Gwyn is motivating. Rather than suggesting it’s something the child can’t do, the language suggests the child is working hard but feels they could get better support. Putting the responsibility on the adults! The aim of the resource was, for me, to enable the young people that I work with. For them to ‘be heard’ and, in turn, to make improvements. For the well-being, teaching and learning of the individual pupils in my care.
What is it?
The posting box is incredibly child friendly. It is adaptable for braille users and large print users. The statements included with the resource are user friendly. They encompass all aspects of school life and learning. From social skills such as “finding my friends at play time” to subject based cards from Art to Computing. You don’t have to use all the statements each time. It may be that you have a focus on social skills and use the statements relating to this. Likewise, if you are working at Primary level, some of the subject cards may not be appropriate. But the range of statements included enable you to hear all ages of children and young people.
The pupils that I used the resource with, including a Braille user and an N48 print user. They all enjoyed completing the activity! They saw it as a game. Once I had explained what they needed to do they were able to complete the task on their own. And, more importantly, honestly. This led to conversations with the young people about how we, as a school, could help make it easier for them. Making their voice and opinion feel valued. It has enabled me to act as the ambassador for the young people in my setting. Making meaningful changes for each individual. Directing funding to enable learners with VI to access lessons they wanted to find ‘easier’.
The Easy-Easier Posting Box is a child friendly, empowering and meaningful resource. Supporting real changes and progress for children and young people. Both myself and my pupils have seen real change for the better since using the resource. Their increased progress and confidence have been a privilege to watch.
