Teach-Reading-and-Writing-Issue-22

www.teachwire.net | 21 young people can have hundreds of ‘friends’ online, but feel lonely and isolated at home? Luckily, there are lots of books available to help facilitate discussions within classrooms, which can allow teachers to create a safe space for their children to explore tricky emotions and develop useful strategies to help themselves and their peers. Many of you will already be familiar with the beautiful work of author and illustrator, Britta Teckentrup. I n an age where an increasing number of social interactions take place online, and where the number of social media platforms is ever expanding, levels of loneliness amongst the general population are on the increase. The ‘loneliness epidemic’ is particularly prevalent amongst young people, who may not yet have developed the strategies and resilience to manage their own mental wellbeing and seek support if needed. Why is it that In her latest title, When I Feel Lonely , she explores a journey from the perspective of a young girl as she walks the path from loneliness and isolation to finding friendship. Teckentrup uses her trademark illustrative style and poetic language to sensitively unpack the feeling of loneliness: that it’s completely normal, but can also be uncomfortable and unsettling at times. She also ensures that there are glimmers of the hope of happier times ahead despite the present darkness. Use Britta Teckentrup’s beautiful picturebook to sensitively explore difficult emotions with your class When I Feel Lonely BOOK TOP I C JO CUMMI NS Book topic KS2 Published by Prestel, 2025 BOOKS FOR SCHOO L S