Celebrate reading with Glitch! A new teacher’s resource
Guest post written by volunteer and PANS mum, Becca Whyte
Some children with PANS or PANDAS face reading hurdles, while others find comfort and escapism in books.
Bringing Glitch into the classroom could be a chance to ease reading pressures and let children engage with stories on their own terms.
Who is Glitch?
Our amazing Youth Board co-designed Glitch with Catherine and Pete from Taming Olivia. Together, they wanted to create a resource that was designed by young people, for young people; a way for anyone affected by PANS or PANDAS to be seen, understood, and heard.
Now, we invite children, families, supporters and educators to use Glitch as a tool to express themselves creatively, celebrate the stories and voices of our community, and help raise awareness of PANS and PANDAS.
How can I bring Glitch into the classroom?
Comic books and graphic novels have helped shine a light on important issues for many years. Working with children to create their own character could help them put visual identity to big feelings, while encouraging positive classroom conversations about PANS and PANDAS.
- Get your whole class involved by printing out our new profile pictures on sticker paper, or reading Glitch’s comic to the class.
- If your class enjoys Glitch, you could ask for the link to purchase the comic to be shared in school newsletters, so parents can continue the conversations at home.
- You could use the creative character resource packs from Taming Olivia in the classroom. These are designed to help children engage with and empathise with the challenges faced by our community in fun, creative ways.
- Our new teaching resource: Celebrating the power of reading with Glitch! is packed full of character creation ideas all inspired by Glitch and his friends.
- We also have a brand new video for primary-aged children and accompanying guide for educators, both designed to help primary school pupils understand PANS and PANDAS and how to support any affected classmates.
Young community members celebrating Glitch, Olivia and World Book Day!
Don’t forget!
We have also created a whole range of glitch merchandise (including stickers!) to help everyone raise awareness of PANS and PANDAS.
Thank you Becca
This guest post was written by Becca Whyte. Becca has worked in education for 18 years, predominantly within secondary settings. Her experience includes leading the development of English curricula, driving whole-school literacy initiatives, and serving as a Raising Standards Leader for English.
Following her daughter’s acute onset of PANS, and inspired by the challenges faced within the community, Becca transitioned into a career in therapeutic education, where she works exclusively with children with SEND, complex medical needs and EBSA.
Becca is also a dedicated volunteer with the PANS PANDAS UK teacher training team and regularly delivers our CPD training.
Thank you Becca for everything you do for us!
If you would like to write a guest article for us, use this form to get in touch.
