The BEAR Cards are an essential part of my teaching day. They create a gentle place of identifying feelings without words needing to be found (initially). These cards have assisted many students, primary and secondary, in many classrooms including PE, breakdown the myth that we need not share what is really going on inside us. And that it is really lonely when we are sitting in those uncomfortable feelings. Nobody would understand, so no point sharing!
These cards have been used in Circle Time OR if there is defiant or unusual behaviour present.
One October morning in 2019, I was teaching in a Year 1/2 class of a Victorian country school, where a girl, quiet in nature, was looking upset.
I offered her the pack of BEAR Cards. She was invited to pick out the ones that reflected what was alive in her, in that moment.
This is what she shared …
“This card is “CURIOUS” because what have I done to deserve this treatment?
This card is “SAD” because I feel like my brother doesn’t want me anymore.
This card is “HURT”. I want to run away so no one can blame me anymore.
This card is “FRIGHTENED” because of all the punishments my mum and dad have.
This card is “WORRIED”. I cannot have fun because I am worried I will do something wrong and get punished.
This card is “DOUBT”. I start to think I have done something wrong, even when I haven’t.
This card is “AFRAID”. I don’t want to be seen because I feel really sad. All this sadness makes me tired.”
https://innovativeresources.org/resources/card-sets/bears-cards/
Funnily enough, this girl bounced off into the rest of her day. Just like that!!
It seemed enough, that in that moment she was heard. That was it!!!
