What can children teach us about today’s world?
Amplifying children’s voices: insights into history, empowerment and peacebuilding
We encourage children to express themselves and tell stories from a young age. But do we really listen to the stories they create?
Dr Edel Lamb at the School of Arts, English and Languages researches the importance of listening to children’s stories and views through time.
The power of children’s stories
Dr Lamb has studied a manuscript of 144 riddles put together by a group of young siblings in the 1640s. The manuscript provides insight into how children viewed the world at this time and the importance of riddles for children in early English culture.
This led Dr Lamb to question whether we actually listen to the stories children tell. And how can we include their views in our telling of history?
The research examines how children’s literature can shape childhood and, ultimately, adult identities.
Teddy bear companion: a unique approach to research
Professor Karen Winter at the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work explores innovative approaches to working with children.
The research studied different pre-schools in Ireland with the help of a teddy bear called Ted. The teddy bear accompanied the children to group interviews and guided tours of the pre-schools, acting as a comfort and distraction. The presence of Ted helped the children to express their views.
Empowering children to decide their future
Professor Laura Lundy at the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work developed ‘The Lundy Model’. The model lays out a child’s right to participation. It requires decision makers to consider four concepts - space, voice, audience and influence - when evaluating children’s participation.
The Lundy Model aims to ensure that decision makers listen to children, so they have a say in their future. It helps vulnerable and marginalised children all around the world.
