There are many useful resources to help you and your child cope with the difficulties of lockdown. Have a look at both of these documents - both are really good. The 'Coronavirus - dealign with effects' document has lots of useful links to aspects of lockdown life such as sleep disturbance, family problems, loneliness and increased screen usage. Just click on each link and it will take you to lots of useful advice.
Important COVID-19 documents
Useful information for families
Mental health and wellbeing information
Guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak:
Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
The Government has now launched a Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp. The free service is an automated ‘chatbot’ that will allow people to get answers to the most common questions about COVID-19 directly from government. It aims to further reduce the burden on NHS services, including 111, combat the spread of the virus and ensure people stay at home and save lives.
It’s as easy as sending a message ‘hi’ to the dedicated number on WhatsApp. We would encourage you to share details about the Coronavirus Information Service on your communications channels. More information can be found on the Government website.
LATEST NATIONAL UPDATES
St Elphin's staff message to all.......
The staff are missing singing with the children and thought it would be nice to record a version of one of our all time favourite songs - My Lighthouse, by Rend Collective. Watch out for the actions ... there are some new ones for the verses. See if you can learn them ready for when we get back to school! Click on the arrow below and get your SUPER SINGING VOICES ready!
OUR AMAZING ARTWORK
A couple of weeks ago we asked you to send in any creative artwork you have been doing. Miss Poxon has put together this video of your beautiful work (and faces!) We think you are already growing and changing but it has been lovely to see you and your creative talents. Thanks Miss Poxon for this lovely treat!
ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY .... ?
Well, we promised you another staff surprise and ... here it is. Mrs Bonnar has written us a special St Elphin's lockdown story poem called 'Over the Rainbow', as this term we were meant to be looking at the Wizard of Oz for our PAN exhibition work and also as a performance by drama, dance and choir. In our story you will see some familiar faces - we hope you enjoy it as much as we did putting it together for you.
Just in case you are so busy watching the video that you miss the important message it contains, we have uploaded a copy of the text so that you can share it with your family - you will find it below the video.
WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH !
Please note, due to the size of the video clip, it may take a while to get started... be patient (it's worth it!)
A CHANCE FOR YOU TO JOIN IN ......
At St Elphin's school you know how much we love reading and how important a skill it is. We would love you to take part in the community reading challenge - it promises to be lots of fun. Click on the document below to find out more and get your READING HEADS ON! Don't forget to let us know which challenges you complete - we love to hear from you!
St Elphin's Sing-a-long Song of the Week
USEFUL LINKS AND INFORMATION
Reading schemes
These reading schemes are offering free access.
Collins: https://collins.co.uk/pages/big-cat-ebooks
Rising Stars :https://www.risingstars-uk.com/subjects/reading-and-ebooks/rising-stars-reading-planet/reading-planet-online-library
Websites offering free books
Oxford Owl : https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page
Epic : https://www.getepic.com/
Teach your monster to read : https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
Storyline : https://www.storylineonline.net/
Amazon free e-books :https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-Childrens-eBooks/zgbs/digital-text/155009011
Booktrust : https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/storybooks-and-games/
BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons
Oak Academy: https://www.thenational.academy/
The following link is a useful tool to help you talk to younger children about Covid-19 using a child centred approach. There are also translations available in various different languages https://www.mindheart.co/descargables