Last year, Sally from Mornington House attended Persona Doll training and we purchased a doll for Preschool and named him Toby. Having a Persona Doll involves creating a lifelike persona for the doll so that it becomes like another child, or friend to the children, with real life experiences. Some stories will be happy, others about difficult events or problems (exclusion, unfairness, prejudice) and the children help to solve the problems. The Persona Doll approach provides an effective, stimulating and enjoyable way to combat discrimination, foster emotional literacy, raise self-esteem and empower children.
Recently, Toby came to talk to us about how he’s feeling nervous about going to school. We asked for some advice from the children to help Toby feel better. The children said school would be fun. He was most worried that he would not know anyone at school. The children said he would make lots of friends and like the playground.
The children have also been interested in Toby’s wheelchair and have asked lots of questions about why he is unable to walk. This is helping them develop an understanding about disability.
Summer qualifies too!