As storm Eleanor batters the UK millions of us on our daily commute will be affected, but how many will actually factor this point in to their schedule?
And so it is with so many aspects of our work with pupils; it is so easy to overlook and even ignore the fact that there are external factors which do affect the risks involved in driving. The point of this blog is to highlight the fact that if we are not considering the possible consequences then it is highly unlikely that our pupils will either.
Talk through with them today how aware they are of the possible dangers involved in driving in these weather conditions. Start the discussion off with a mind-map with "Eleanor" in the middle. See what they say (notice what they do NOT say). Don't judge, try not to fill in the gaps.... it should be your pupil who is sat there with the mind-map in front of them, with pen in hand.
If you are both sat there in silence, with your pupil looking at the car clock, with a yawn, talk about "consequences". Ask them what they have planned for today or this week which involves an appointment or specific starting point of some kind eg dentist, social meet with a friend, job, college, sports match. Discuss with them how they intend to get there and consider what possible factors might impact on their arrival at the correct time.
Possible subjects that may come up include:
How weather causes accidents which causes disruption which causes people to arrive late.
How emotions affect driving behaviour that can have negative impacts on other road users, our passengers, our car.
How lack of planning can result in us getting temporarily lost and therefore arriving late, or being ill-prepared should an event occur on the journey which is unforeseen (breakdown, delays, puncture).
How not clearing ice off windscreens/windows/mirrors causes loss of vision which can cause accidents which affects arrival times.
How not properly organising the diary creates a day full of "rush rush" which can result in speeding or tailgating or lack of observations while driving, any of which can increase the risk of accidents.
I don't want to labour the point, but it really will be time well spent discussing what factors affect risk when we drive. If they are struggling with this then turn the conversation around to a subject/topic they can relate to such as snowboarding, mountain biking, ice skating.... anything frankly that involves an element of risk. If that is still a non-starter, be prepared to give an example of your own and be prepared to walk them through that slowly - you are assisting them to consider "cause & effect" which is not going to be blindingly obvious to everyone.
As a little side note, if ever you are sat there with an unengaged pupil who is not connecting with what you are saying at all - do everything you possibly can to refrain from feelings of frustration, anger, judgement on your pupil. You know it is precisely these moments when our pupils need us the most - their weakness is not their failing, it is our opportunity to assist them.
As a little side note, if ever you are sat there with an unengaged pupil who is not connecting with what you are saying at all - do everything you possibly can to refrain from feelings of frustration, anger, judgement on your pupil. You know it is precisely these moments when our pupils need us the most - their weakness is not their failing, it is our opportunity to assist them.
Good luck - don't forget your umbrella!
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