Ex-teacher Sarah back in class to help Shropshire pupils' self-esteem
A former primary school teacher who quit her job to fulfil her dream of becoming a children's author and self-esteem worker is making her way back through Shropshire schools.
Sarah Griffiths, from Leegomery in Telford, has been visiting schools in Shropshire and neighbouring counties delivering the important message of self-esteem and confidence.
Focusing on young people's mental wellbeing using her series of rhyming novels, she has so far visited schools in Shropshire, as well as Walsall, Wolverhampton and Milton Keynes.
The 42-year-old's most recent visit was to Ladygrove Primary School, in Dawley, Telford, where she delivered seven interactive sessions, with the latest focusing on affirmation.
"My latest session at the school is all about the power of 'I am' statements," she said.
"I get the children to focus on themselves and think about the qualities that make them special – everyone's unique and has something special they can find within themselves."
Important
The former Morville Primary School teacher has taken part in a number of reading and mental health campaigns since she started the project.
"The main reason I wanted to do this and feel that it's so important is because of my teaching background," she added.
"I've met so many children that struggle with self-esteem and there are so many children suffering with their mental health.
"There are no real systems in place that are coming from the right angle on children's mental wellbeing. The focus should be on what they can achieve with a positive mentality rather than focusing on what's wrong – schools are crying out for it.
Emily Guess, deputy head of Ladygrove Primary School, said: "Raising self-esteem among children is absolutely brilliant, especially for our students, who I know a few find it difficult to concentrate on the good things that are happening in their lives rather than the bad.
"I think it will have an ongoing impact throughout the school. Through these sessions it gives the children a chance to think about what self-esteem actually means – I'm not sure they knew what it meant before but I think they do now.
"The more work the students do with that, the more it'll help them take a bit more control over their feelings and emotions and in turn boost their confidence and self-esteem."
