Getting connected after isolation – An interview with Mark Goodwin

As we gradually welcome children back into school, it helps to have a strategy of positive communication about the times we have all been through. There is a lot of talk in the media about the need to ‘catch up’, ‘the lost generation’ and ‘lost time’, however this does not engender a feeling of hope and positivity for staff, pupils or their parents. Rather than using what Mark Goodwin terms a ‘deficit language’ in this insightful interview, he guides us along a path of positivity, especially when communicating with children who have really struggled during their time away from school. Mark has also kindly shared this handout – How to Turnaround a Kid – The Cookie Jar Checklist, which is a perfectly succinct guide to preparing for and welcoming children as they return to school. You can download it from our website https://halcyon.education/podcasts/.