commentr/StutterJuly 21, 2024

Content

Yes, me! I’ve taught primary (5-11) in the UK since 2011. My stammer sounds very similar to yours. My advice is to go for it. My experience is that I’m much, much more preoccupied with it than any child or parent has ever been. That said, I find that some days are tougher than others and I have resorted to substituting words, etc., to get words out. Some suggestions to consider: - Make sure you’re in the best possible place… - Have mantras to help. I’m prone to negativity (!) so things like ‘think positively; speak positively’ help - not necessarily related to stammering but still… Words and phrases to centre myself help when I’m stressed also help. (Another example: 'smiles and deep breaths improve every situation'.) - Tell colleagues and, perhaps, children. This should reduce any putative pressure to speak fluently. - Stammer confidently. You'll know, I'm sure, that stammering with a bit of a swagger, really confidently, is, to me, the gold standard. (I want to avoid anxiety.) - For me, Steve Peters' books really help me understand myself and put me in the best position to teach - stammer or no stammer. Most of all, go for it! Good luck.

Themes

School & WorkIdentity & DisabilityCoping & Advocacy

Subthemes

School & Academic LifeAcceptance & PrideFluency Techniques