How can a psychologist or speech therapist help?
Psychologist and speech therapist support for teachers and parents in Polish Saturday Schools
The recent Census (2011) in England shows, that Poles are the second largest foreign-born nation in England and Wales, and Polish language is the most often used language after English in the UK. Therefore it is not surprising that the number of Polish Supplementary Schools has been rising considerably for the last few years. The increasing number of educational establishments and students attending these establishments causes a demand for teachers and specialist in psychology and speech therapy.
Migration, multiculturalism, identity
Pupils of different levels of language proficiency and lexical skills are mixed together in many of the Polish Supplementary Schools in England. Very often children come from diversified backgrounds and having different emigration histories. Many of them were born in the UK, some of them have just arrived from Poland, others are planning to return. Thus, the national identity and understanding of Polish culture have been shaped differently. That is linked to the acculturation problems – adjusting to the new situation.
Additionally, many of children come from multicultural and multinational environment or they are in single-parent families. That causes further barriers and possible cultural problems. There are also many disable children suffering from Asperger Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In the new and challenging cultural realities parents not always are able to provide help or advice to own children. That is why the role of psychologists in Polish Supplementary Schools is crucial.
Psychology sessions can be quite expensive and not every psychologist has experience in working with migrants. For these reasons it is worthwhile to provide pupils with access to psychologists within a Polish Supplementary School’s environment.
It is important to select specialists with both child psychology and acculturation experience. The specialists with this blend of professional skills can deliver help to children with both ADHD, lack of concentration and problems related with acculturation.
What should be taken into consideration when looking for a psychologist for your school
Firstly, they should have a recognised qualification in children’s psychology. This is necessary to work with children with hyperactivity, issues with concentration or difficulties in developing relationships with peers. They will also be able to support parents experiencing difficulties in children’s up-bringing resulting from migration: educational issues, problems caused by being separated from one of the parents and so on.
At the same time, they should also be qualified in acculturation psychology. A person with such qualification will be able to help with acculturation and adaptation problems.
Effective support from a psychologist can be crucial for child’s development. Unfortunately, if support is given by someone without the right qualifications and experience, it could do more harm then good. This is why it is very important to remain cautious in verifying offers from psychologists or educators.
If you’re not feeling confident whether qualifications presented by a candidate meet the requirements, the Polish Psychologists’ Association may be able to help. Please contact “Poradnia Rodzina” at rodzina@polishpsychologists.org.
Speech difficulties
Teachers of Polish Supplementary Schools point out that there is a large group of children with speech related problems. These problems are very often linked to bilingualism and the use, or lack of use, of their mother tongue at home. Although parents make efforts to obtain diagnosis of the speech related problems of their children, there are sometimes barriers in the form of limited English language skills. There are more and more situations where the difference in the language proficiency between children and parents is increasing and causing lack of learning support.
Being able to communicate is essential for an individual to function in society. Any failings, e.g. problems with pronunciation, speech difficulties or limited lexical skills, can lead to the further psychological problems for the child such as lack of self-confidence. To avoid those kinds of problems it is worth seeking help from a speech therapist.
In the process of selecting speech therapists to work within the Polish Supplementary School environment it is crucial to combine a high standard of credentials approved by professional associations and institutes and experience of working with bilingual children.
Such problems faced by pupils of Polish Supplementary Schools affect their education, progress, self-acceptance and socialisation. Very often parents are not able to support or offer assistance to their own children. We therefore strongly advise all Polish Schools to work closely with specialists like psychologists and speech therapists. However, as stated earlier, it is essential to select specialists not only on professional qualifications but also relevant bilingual experience.
On-line consultations for teachers and parents
The Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad (ORPEG) run on-line consultations for polish teachers and parents as part of the project Otwarta szkoła – Powroty (Open school – Returns). The purpose of the consultation is to support pupils and their parents who are planning to return to Poland or those who suffer from culture shock or adaptation difficulties.
Further information can be found on the ORPEG website.