I hope that everyone is safe and well as we move into week two of the school closures.
It is great to hear that lots of families are finding ways to keep in touch with each other and bring their children (and some staff!) together using a range of web and video conferencing apps and programmes. Connectivity with friends and family is really important for our mental and emotional health and well-being but it has suddenly become more difficult to maintain.
The government has published guidance for parents and carers about supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic. It contains some useful advice and information to support families during what could be a very difficult time of change and isolation, including about how to support your own well-being; behaviours and reactions to look out for in your children; and where to get further support if you are worried about your child. There are also lots of websites to support families, including Family Lives and Time to Change.
It is always a good time to remind pupils about staying safe online, especially during this extensive period of school closure. Thinkuknow have advice, information and resources to help families keep each other safe in the online world, including their new home learning packs.
Staff have been finding and preparing resources to keep your children busy and learning at home.
Miss Allen is this week’s star baker with her recipe for lemon drizzle cake. Watch Miss Allen bake her cake and read the recipe so that you can make this delicious cake for yourselves.
Create some 3D pictures called agamographs, like Miss Chilton and Nathandria and be inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s sunflowers, like Miss Allen, Nathandria and Verity. See what the finished art work looks like: day and night and rainbow agamographs.
If you are a fan of Disney films, Miss Ottley has a curriculum for you!
We have also included the links to some popular and recommended sites that families might enjoy.
Phonics Play for EYFS and KS1
Listen to poems and stories read by Michael Rosen
City Youth FC have developed a ‘train at home program’ to help develop new and existing ball skills
Herts for Learning – Essential Maths Challenge (See more Herts for Learning Essential Maths activities on our maths page)
Stay at Home Story Time with Oliver Jeffers
Something to interest our young engineers and scientists