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St Mary's Primary School, Cabragh

Wellness Week 2

21st Jun 2020

Dear Parent/Guardian,

For the last week of the school term we have a series of fun ‘wellness challenges’ for everyone to complete. Have a look at the poster attached below for your second set of activities. Why don't you try and learn the 'Such a Happy Day' (Fly) dance! (The Relax Kids Theme Tune). See the video attached below to help you learn the dance!  Send me a video showcasing your new dance! We can’t wait to see how many challenges you can accomplish!! Make sure to send in all your photographs and videos

When the children come back to school in September things are going to be a little different. It is important that the children are prepared for the changes they will encounter. It would be very beneficial for your child to complete some of the activities attached below. Viewing the Powerpoints and having regular discussions with your child will help to ensure a smooth transition back to school.  

Discussion Points:

  • How the classroom might look a little different.
  • How daily routines might be different
    • Arrival Time
    • Break Time
    • Lunch Time
    • Home Time
  • Regular handwashing routines.
  • The importance of social distancing.
  • The importance of good respiratory hygiene- Catch it / Bin it/ kill it Approach- Cough into a tissue and then bin it. If you have no tissue cough into your elbow. 
  • The importance of listening carefully to the school staff in order to keep everyone safe and well.
  • Reassure your child that they will be safe and well looked after in school.
  • Let your child know that their teachers have missed them and are looking forward to seeing them in September.

The scale and impact of the Coronavirus disease is difficult for adults to wrap their minds around, much less children. But young people still have questions, and they are looking to adults to help them understand what is happening. "My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19" is a new storybook, produced by UNHCR, that aims to help children understand and come to terms with COVID-19.The story is designed to be read by a parent/guardian. With the help of a fantasy creature called Ario, the story explains how children can protect themselves, their families and friends from Coronavirus and how to manage difficult emotions when confronted with a new and rapidly changing reality.

You can download the book by clicking on the attachment.

'Winnie and Wilbur Stay at Home' is also a lovely storybook for Foundation Stage Children. Click on the link below!

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/api/interactives/30463.html

The Nosy Crow, an information book illustrated by The Gruffalo artist, Axel Scheffler, explains Coronavirus to children. Click on the following link for information. The book Is attached below and answers key questions about Coronavirus in simple language , suitable for 5-9 year olds. 

https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/

 

It is vital that we address the fears and anxiety of our children when life as they know it gets turned upside down. I hope that these books will help the children to understand what they can do to stay positive and keep safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.  

Please see images attached below Relax Kids activities- "Calm Pack" to help your child manage their feelings and emotions.

See below for useful websites

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/supporting-your-childs-mental-health-during-covid-19-school-return

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/adviceandsupport/self-help/parents/after-lockdown-worries-about-returning-to-school

https://www.winstonswish.org/preparing-children-return-school/

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/coronavirus-information-advice/keeping-kids-calm-connected#!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/how-to-talk-child-about-coronavirus/zntjjhv

https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus/

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/blog/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus

Coronavirus animation and activities-https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/ 

http://www.starsteam.org.uk/coronavirus-resources

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/adviceandsupport/self-help/parents/after-lockdown-facing-transition-to-new-school