Our stories in schools
Open Book 2024
“When I started at school, I was nervous, too shy. Not in my comfort zone. Now everyday I’m happy to be in school, ready to learn.”
Image taken from Lenny and Lily Return to School, illustrated by Charlotte Firmin
“Books Beyond Words have enabled us to give high attention support to pupils not receiving emotional health and wellbeing support via other interventions or therapies – those who might not have met criteria or been high priority within cohorts.””
Free Resources for Schools
One in five children and young people are thought to have a mental health problem.
Children’s mental health is in crisis, with more young people facing emotional and psychological challenges than ever before.
Early signs of mental health struggles are often missed, but with the right support from families, schools, and healthcare professionals, children can be given the tools to understand and manage their emotions.
Our 2024 study with ImpactEd found that using our word-free picture stories improved emotional wellbeing in 92% of pupils according to their teachers.
Picture stories give young people a way to talk about things happening in their lives, or the lives of people around them, without having to talk about themselves. They are flexible and can be used in one-to-one settings, or within group settings to give pupils a safe space to discuss their life experiences with their peers.
Our 2024 study found that, after using our resources in school:
94% of pupils became more able to identify and express a range of emotions
92% of pupils in the study improved their overall emotional wellbeing
94% of pupils were found to have achieved their best hoped for outcome
The study also found that our resources are filling a gap in provision that is not met by other resources. They are highly adaptable to different school contexts, pedagogical practices and need, and are highly valued by the schools that use them.
Bring the benefits of picture stories to your school
Together, we can help children take charge of their emotional development, build stronger connections, and thrive in the classroom.
By using our images to tell a story, young people can discuss situations they may find difficult to talk about, whether related to their own lives or those of people around them, without the need to focus on themselves personally.
This approach offers a safe and non-judgmental space for reflection and dialogue. Whether used in one-to-one setting or within group activities, picture stories help create an environment where young people feel supported and empowered to share their feelings, build empathy with others, and gain insight into their own emotions and experiences.
The 1st Open Book Project
In 2021, amid rising mental health needs among children, and as Social, Emotional and Mental Health became a curriculum area for all schools, we ran a study into how Beyond Words stories could support pupils and the curriculum.
Our Open Book Project proved that using word-free picture stories consistently:
empower children and young people to take control of their own feelings and behaviour
facilitate greater and deeper understanding of self and social context
build pupils’ emotional repertoire, insight and empathy
broaden pupils’ vocabulary and language skills
capture imagination and improve engagement in the classroom.
Resources tried, tested and recommended by teachers
Two 30-minute webinars from the Tes SEN Show explore the Open Book Project in more detail:
Talking through taboos with Beyond Words / Special Schools
Talking through taboos with Beyond Words / Primary Settings
