When behaviour is communication, understanding matters
Children and young people do not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. What may look like avoidance, frustration, shutdown, distress or disengagement can reflect unmet emotional, sensory, learning or relational needs.
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Understanding Me Cards help school staff explore what may be happening beneath the surface, identify patterns of need, and access practical strategies to provide meaningful support.
The cards are organised around seven evidence-informed areas that help adults understand what may be contributing to a young person’s experience
Access linked support strategies
Move from insight to practical action with suggested strategies designed to help staff respond effectively and compassionately.
Use the cards to explore thoughts, feelings, experiences and needs in a supportive, child-centred way.
1. Listen
2. Identify Patterns
3. Support
Complete the card sort with the young person
Spot themes across the 7 psychology-informed categories of need
Move from insight to practical action with suggested strategies designed to help staff respond effectively and compassionately.
A simple process that leads to meaningful support
Reviews
★★★★★
"The cards have been a game-changer for our pastoral team. They provide such a clear, structured way to listen to our pupils and truly understand what they need."
SENCo, Primary School
★★★★★
"I found the Understanding Me cards to be an excellent resource for gathering pupil voice. I really appreciated how thoughtfully they are and how grounded in psychology they feel."
Dr Charlotte Kelishadi, Educational Psychologist
★★★★★
"Beautifully designed and evidence-based. These cards have helped us create support plans that are child-centred and very effective."
Headteacher
