12th September R U OK? Day

On Thursday it was R U OK? Day, On the second Thursday in September it is R U OK? This day's aim is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the  people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. This is the message of a wonderful picture book, Listen, Hippo!  by Gabriel Evans. Coincidentally, Gabriel was at my school on this day as our author visit for the year. He read the book to Kindergarten and Year 1 and while I listened I thought how pertinent  it was for this particular day. Here, Billy just wants Hippo to listen, not to try to distract him from his feelings. Read here about Gabriel's thoughts about this book. The book is even illustrated with yellow dominating the colour palate.

Of course Gabriel's presentation wasn't only about this. He kept the children enthralled for an hour, talking, reading and drawing and each child did their own unique drawing following his instructions. He had a session with the four classes in each of these three grades, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 and he was truly amazing!

Next year, of course Gabriel won't be visiting us from Western Australia, but I will remember that Listen, Hippo!  is just the book for R U OK? I have already shared it with the school's Head of Wellbeing.