How teachers in France are shifting focus to build a confident society
At the Bienfaisance preschool, Docteur Doux – Doctor Gentle – has given new meaning to being sent to the principal’s office.
The child-sized teddy bear sits under a tent in a cozy corner of Principal Caroline Loiseau’s office, in what has been dubbed the “Infirmary of Emotions.”
Shelves of calming toys offer children the opportunity to manage big feelings. There are glowing bouncy balls, bubble wrap and – the students’ favorite – a shoebox fashioned into an angry face, where kids can stuff crumpled pieces of paper into the awaiting mouth. Today, a 4-year-old sits with Docteur Doux, as she gets over being pushed by a classmate at recess.
“How are you feeling? Is this helping you to calm you down?” asks Ms. Loiseau, squatting down next to the young girl in her Paris office, handing her a
