Friendship bench
Encyclopedia
A friendship bench is a special place in a school
playground
where a child can go when they want someone to talk to.
Friendship benches may be distinctively different from other seating in the school
and may be specially designed by an artist or with the help of the children themselves. Such benches are situated in open and well-travelled areas of the school so that any child using the bench will be noticed quickly.
When a child
feels the need for a friend to talk to, he or she can show this by using the friendship bench. Other children and staff will recognise this as a sign that some help, support or comfort is needed and will come to talk with the child.
The friendship bench is a means by which a child can seek support without the need to rationalise their feelings or to seek-out a particular member of staff or special friend. Because the bench is in the day-to-day environment of the school it can be used at any time and for any reason—from seemingly trivial matters to more serious concerns—and encourages children to ask for help when they are troubled.
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
playground
Playground
A playground or play area is a place with a specific design for children be able to play there. It may be indoors but is typically outdoors...
where a child can go when they want someone to talk to.
Friendship benches may be distinctively different from other seating in the school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
and may be specially designed by an artist or with the help of the children themselves. Such benches are situated in open and well-travelled areas of the school so that any child using the bench will be noticed quickly.
When a child
Child
Biologically, a child is generally a human between the stages of birth and puberty. Some vernacular definitions of a child include the fetus, as being an unborn child. The legal definition of "child" generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority...
feels the need for a friend to talk to, he or she can show this by using the friendship bench. Other children and staff will recognise this as a sign that some help, support or comfort is needed and will come to talk with the child.
The friendship bench is a means by which a child can seek support without the need to rationalise their feelings or to seek-out a particular member of staff or special friend. Because the bench is in the day-to-day environment of the school it can be used at any time and for any reason—from seemingly trivial matters to more serious concerns—and encourages children to ask for help when they are troubled.
External links
- Example of a friendship bench
- West Suffolk College reports making a friendship bench for a primary school.
- Hazel Wood School has a red friendship bench in their playground.
- PMD Example of Friendship Stop
- http://theoutersunset.com/2009/02/03/the-friendship-bench/ Refers to one.