Whilst I strongly encourage teachers to have high expectations around children talking, special attention is needed for pupils with specific individual needs. This includes Selective Mutism, which is an anxiety-based mental health disorder. I recommend this book by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens: Can I tell you about Selective Mutism?
Written from the perspective of a young girl, it’s a quick and easy read which gives fascinating and useful insights.
As a taster, here are three tips from the book:
I feel comfortable when you are chatty – talk to me in a normal way, show and tell me things so I know you are interested in me.
Please don’t ask me too many questions.
I like it if we have to speak or all answer together – I say the words inside my head or even move my lips sometimes.
There’s more about this book, and other helpful resources, on the SMIRA website:
www.selectivemutism.org.uk/resources/recommended-reading/
