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Learning Mentor

Any parents, guardians or students who have concerns or questions, require advice or support for themselves or the children please contact Mrs Whitby directly using this email: learningmentor@brynoffa.shropshire.sch.uk

Diversity Week – 22nd-26th of June

22.6.20 This week is School Diversity Week. During School Diversity Week, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges across the UK celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality in education. you will find some activities and resources to help you get involved at home.

https://www.letterboxlibrary.com/acatalog/Prince-Henry.html Information about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) and young people with a story which discusses gay marriage and laws in a child friendly way – A Gay Fairy Tale of Prince Henry (Key Stage 2)

Books that might be of interest, offering information in a child friendly way and support the inquisitive minds of children

And Tango makes Three Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell  This book is based on the true life story of Roy and Silo, two penguins at the Central Park Zoo in New York City. One day their keeper notices the penguins attempting to hatch a rock. Why not just hatch an egg, you may ask? Perhaps because both Roy and Silo are male. Mr. Gramzay then provides them with a fertile egg and the chance to become a family (Early years and Key Stage 1, Same sex parent families). Red Rockets and Rainbow Jelly  Sue Heap and Nick Sharratt  Nick and Sue have very different tastes: Nick likes red apples, Sue prefers green pears; Nick likes orange hair, but Sue likes purple hair. The book helps children understand that, despite their different tastes, Sue and Nick still like each other (Key Stage 1, diversity). This is our House Michael Rosen  George says the cardboard house belongs to him and no one else – not girls, small people, twins, people with glasses, or people who like tunnels. But Lindy, Marly, Freddie, Charlene, Marlene, Luther, Sophie and Rasheda have other ideas! One by one each child is refused access until tables are turned and George finds how it feels to be on the receiving end (Key Stage 1, diversity). Julian is a Mermaid Jessica Love  While riding the train home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women dressed spectacularly. Their coloured hair billows out, their dresses end in fishtails, and they fill the carriage with joy. Julian wants nothing more than to dress up just like them and become a mermaid. But he worries about what Nana will think. Julian is a Mermaid is a book about gender non-conformism, self-confidence (Key Stage 1, questioning gender, BAME (black, Asian, minority ethnic). Picnic in the Park Joe Griffiths and Tony Pilgrim  In telling the story of Jason’s birthday picnic and his guests, children are introduced to different family types, from one and two parent families, to gay and lesbian families (Key Stage 1 and 2, same sex parenting, BAME)

Mental Health and Well Being (click on heading)

30.5.20 Doing Something Creative Can Boost Your Well-Being. A quick read article. https://www.mindful.org/something-creative-can-boost-well/?utm_content=buffer98c35&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR3TiWflW2UvXxzhRn8T4c8nsOtvmfkLldL2t9EB-5Kfd_8JrYiGZPbFRas

14.5.20 Its Mental Health Awareness Week next week (18-24 May)

‘Mentally Healthy Schools’ have created a seven day of kindness calendar which is lovely for all ages. https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/2036/seven-days-of-kindness-calendar.pdf

They’ve also created ‘brain brakes’ which parents could use this resource to break up their online sessions. https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/brain-breaks/

These ‘calming sounds’ from CBeebies are lovely  https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio/calming-sounds?collection=cbeebies-bedtime#playlist 

This video from Loudmouth education and training is great for older children (upper KS2). Its called 5 ways to wellbeing  https://vimeo.com/415406933 

FIND: Advice, support and help about FEELINGS

Feeling stressed, anxiety, fear, panic, depression, feeling lonely or the need to want to feel happier.

Government guidance about the coronavirus, (COVID-19)

What to do if you suspect the infection is in your household and other considerations about staying safe and healthy.

The Citizens Advice

Includes information and advice about finding out your employment and benefit rights.

The Samaritans

They are there day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. There in moments of crisis and taking action to prevent the crisis. Listening and supporting people in times of need.

Childline You can talk to them about anything. No problem is too big or too small. https://www.childline.org.uk/ or call 0800 1111 or there is a 1-2-1 service online.

Positive Parenting and Child Behaviour (click on heading)

Advice and guidance.

Bereavement (click on heading)

For most of us, bereavement will be the most distressing experience we will ever face. Grief is what we feel when somebody we are close to dies. Everyone experiences grief differently and there is no ‘normal’ or ‘right’ way to grieve.  This web page will signpost FREE bereavement support services to adults and young people who have been affected by the death of someone close, pre-bereavement support to those who are expecting to lose a loved one through illness or perhaps you are looking for advice on how you can help someone you care about with their loss.

Links include:

Cruse Bereavement Care, Marie Curie: Care and support through terminal illness, Childhood Bereavement Network, Drugfam: Supporting families affected by the use of drugs or alcohol, WAY (widowed and young).

Further Links for help and support (click on heading)

Information Available:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information Parenting in crowded houses; When we get angry; Learning through play; Family harmony; Family Budgeting; Keeping children Safe On-Line; Talking About COVID-19; Keeping Calm and Managing Stress; Behaviour; Daily Structure; Keeping Positive and having One-To-One Time.

Mrs Whitby’s ‘Families Together Activities’ (click on heading)

Information Available: Weekly updates of Mrs Whitby’s ‘Families Together’ activities.

ALL ‘Families Together’ activities can be enjoyed and earn awards anytime and day.

2.7.20 Mrs Whitby activities see next page for details of:

22nd June 1907 The London Underground opened some of its stations.

27th June 1880 Helen Keller was born. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

6 July 1942, Anne Frank and her family were forced to go into hiding in Nazi-occupied Holland.

YOUR ACTIVITIES – THANK YOU FOR SHARING (updated 24.6.20)

27.03.2020. Information about the Coronavirus for parents and talking about it with our children. There are also pages that deal with feelings, symptoms, behaviour and spending time together and can be found on the ‘Further Links for Help and Support’ page.