7 minute read
Education
I don’t want to be THAT parent…..
By Annabel Gray
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In my Facebook group Ask a Teacher, we always have a number of members stating that they don’t want to be ‘that’ parent with regard to expressing their concerns to teachers. I’m here, as a teacher, to tell you why teachers actually WANT you to be ‘that’ parent!
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Why we should prioritise stories this summer
By Sarah Campbell
With summer on the horizon, we need inspiration for activities that help our children recover lost learning, support their mental health and bring some much-deserved fun to family life. What’s the one thing that embraces all these goals?
Making science fun for kids
By Oli Ryan
Scientific processes happen all around us daily – just waiting to be discovered by curious, young scientists. Explore science with your kids outdoors, in the kitchen and even at bath time. Experiment with butter churning, toilet paper chromatography and making a rain gauge.
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Giveaway! Disney princess wooden toys
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Addressing Post-Covid Learning Loss
By Emma Martin As our worlds slowly open back up and children are in school once again, for many parents a key question will be how they can support their child’s learning postCovid.
There has been much in the news about children being ‘behind’ and needing to ‘catch up.’ However, just as important is their emotional wellbeing, in particular connection, play, making sense of the world and resilience. By focusing on mental health, we can help our children to be in the best possible place to learn.
Re-build and strengthen connections
Children do need to catch up this summer – but to catch up with friends and family. Social connections have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, so it is important that we give children the time and space they need to enjoy being social again (and not just via a screen!). By giving time to rebuilding social connections, parents will be helping their child to feel good about themselves and to practice all the skills they need to help them get on with others in a positive way.
Making sense of experiences
One of the most important things parents can do this summer is to help children make sense of the pandemic so they don’t store concerns. We can do this by helping them to share the challenges and successes of their own ‘Covid story’ through conversations, role play or painting and drawing. Read Emma’s suggestions for helping your child process the pandemic.
Bella Learning Games
Fun educational games to download, print and play.
Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 Packs Available Now!
For examples, tips and advice, find Bella Learning Games on Facebook and Instagram. www.bellalearning.co.uk
Addressing Post-Covid Learning Loss Cont...
Let’s play!
With opportunities limited during lockdown, by giving children the opportunity to play we can help them to develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. Most importantly, play helps children to have positive thoughts about themselves which is exactly what we need to encourage right now.
Nurture resilience
Many people have commented on how resilient children have been during this tumultuous time. Whether your child has ridden the rollercoaster with ease or found it more challenging, placing a focus on problem solving and resilience is a sure-fire way to help your child make progress at school. One way to support your child’s ability to bounce back when things get tricky is to spend quality time doing an activity of their choice with them, whether it’s playdoh, kicking a ball about or playing a board game. By doing so, you are giving them a sense of safety and letting them know you are there for them.
Let’s prioritise their wellbeing
Think back to your own childhood and the things you enjoyed – being free to play, being yourself and being with friends. Let’s not give our children the message they are ‘behind,’ but instead celebrate their wonderful achievements during this tricky time. Emma Martin is an educational psychologist employed full-time by E-ACT multi-academy trust. She supports the trust’s primary academies in Bristol and is coauthor of its national Relationships and Recovery Curriculum.
Outdoor toy giveaway!
Gazillion Rollin’ Wave
Stomp Rocket Ultra
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Books that challenge gender stereotypes
Books can be purchased via Bookshop.org an online bookshop which financially supports local, independent bookshops and of which Families Magazine is an affiliate.
My First Book of Feminism
Julie Merberg Ages 0-3.
She Rex
Michelle Robinson & Deborah Allwright Ages 3+.
My Daddy is a Nurse
Kerrine Bryan & Jason Bryan. Ages 2-5.
The Paper Bag Princess
Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko Ages 4-7.
Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women Tough Guys Have Feelings Too
Keith Negley Ages 5-6.
Love Your Body
Jessica Sanders & Carol Rossetti Ages 7+.
Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different 2
Ben Brooks & Quinton Winter. Ages 9-12.
Molly on the March
Anna Carey Ages 10-12.
TryOut a week at residential summer camp for just £295!
This summer any child ages 9 to 15, who has never attended a residential summer camp can stay at a TryOut camp, run by experienced providers, for just £295 for a week (including accompanied travel). The initiative is organised by The Summer Camps Trust to help share with children the joys of summer camp.
Camps take place at Nettlecombe Court, a magnificent Field Studies Centre in beautiful grounds near Taunton, Somerset from 8-15 August and at Camp Redwood, a fabulous tented camp in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire from 15-21 August.
Get ready for games of all kinds. Explore areas of wood, hills and countryside. Enjoy tracking activities, unravel mysteries and stimulate the imagination. Participate in entertainment, songs and stories around the camp fire. Sleep under the stars, climb or enjoy water activities. Or relax and chat in the sun. Leave screens and peer pressures behind, reconnect with the natural world and with being a child again. Exactly what our children need right now.
Being part of a small group, looked after by a well-trained 18 or 19 year-old leader who is like an older brother or sister, can be a unique experience and help children grow in confidence, social skills and positivity. Recent UK attendees comment: ‘It was the best week of my life so far’, ‘My leader made me feel happy and safe just like my mum would do’. Parents said: ‘She came home with so many friends and memories and having had so much fun’ and ‘It was the happiest I have ever seen him’.
So don’t delay, find out why summer camp is the best week of the year for millions of children worldwide. More information and booking. Or, for a brochure, email chris@summercampstrust.org
Attend a TryOut camp totally FREE!
6 places available APPLY HERE
T&Cs
Summer camp booking: what to ask
General
What is the daily routine? What should my child wear? What happens if it rains (outside camps)? What does my child need to bring? Will my child be able to re-fill their water bottle? What is the sunscreen policy? What if my child needs extra help? Can I get some feedback on my child’s day? Can a friend or extended family member collect my child? Can I find out how my child’s day is going? Will I be able to contact my child if necessary?
Your child’s safety
Is the camp Ofsted registered and where can I view the report? What are the camp’s policies on safeguarding, bullying, health and safety? Will any applicable Covid-19 guidelines be followed? What happens if a child or staff member tests positive for Covid-19? How many children are there on a camp? How many in each group? What age group will my child be in? What is the staff/child ratio? Will my child have a key worker?
Booking and Payment
What discounts are available eg early booking/siblings/groups? Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for making changes? Are all activities included or do I have to pay extras? Can I pay by instalments? What will happen if I am delayed in collecting my child? Will I have to pay extra? Do I get a refund if my child can’t attend due to illness? Do I need insurance? Are you signed up to the tax-free childcare/childcare vouchers scheme? Is an extension to the normal day available and what does it cost?
