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ELSA Blog

Mental Health Awareness Week - Day 5

22/5/2020

 
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Good morning lovely people,

So today marks the end of the ELSA 5 days of kindness challenge! I hope you have enjoyed it and remember to continue to be much kinder to yourself. You  are so important - Look after yourself - You matter.

Yesterday morning I went on a walk around the docks. I saw the most beautiful family of ducklings! They were SO cute and fluffy. They really made my day!

Remember it is half term next week so make sure you use this time to recharge your batteries! Do different things that make you happy! If you can, please try to go outside next week (safely and with parental permission) and feel the rays of sunshine on your skin. Take some deep breaths and tell yourself I CAN DO THIS!

I am laughing because as I was writing this part of the blog (we write them the day before) I heard an ice cream van and I got SO excited, I jumped up and ran in scrambling about my purse for money so I could buy one. I felt like I was a child again! 


I will attach the last acitvity below! 

Have a wonderful half term and keep being the amazing stars that you are! 


Also- for those celebrating, have a beautfiul Eid celebration with your family! Make sure you send in lots of pictures!:)


BIG BIG BIG SMILES!

Emily :)xx


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Day 5 of the Kindness to Yourself challenge!

Don't worry if you have missed it this week! I have put all 5 days challenges on the document below.
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kindness-to-yourself-challenge.pdf
File Size: 2538 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Place2Be Kindness Cup Nominations!

Shyma would like to nominate Amelia and Aaliyah (Year 2) and Adam (Year 1) for making a lovely birthday card for me. Aaliyah also made a thank you card for the teachers too!! That is very kind Aliyah!
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Shay has nominated Pauline for making home learning packs for children and delivering them door to door!! What a wonderful selfless thing to do Pauline! You are so kind and caring!
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Last not but least we received a wonderful message from Amal!

Ruth and I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for your wonderful words and drawings!

It made our day!

THANK YOU!

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Mental Health Awareness Week Day 4

21/5/2020

 
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Good morning, 

It is DAY 4 of the Mental Health Awareness Week Challenge!

I hope you liked the Olaf video! I had some good feedback on my PM that some of you found it very comforting to watch.

Yesterday I had such a productive day - I got up really early and went for a run around the local park. worked on the blogs, posted some stuff on Twitter and finished my day with some wonderful phone calls with some of the children in my class! It always cheer me up hearing how you are and what you have been up too!

Zakiya in Y4 said has been completeing some of the ELSA blog work and I was thrilled to hear that! :) Well done I am glad you are enjoying it.

Yesterday when I was running I felt so empowered, but I had to DRAG myself out of bed to get there but it was SO worth it.



​
You wont regret it :)

Big Smiles - Take Care! 

Emily
You all know how being active is also linked to having a good mental health. I know it is sometimes difficult to do things in your house but try to do at least 1 hour of focused exercise a day. Whether you run on the spot, go for a long walk, ride your bike around your estate or park, just try to get some activity back into your routine as safely as you can! 
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ELSA KIND TO YOURSELF CHALLENGE DAY 4

Some people like writing down their thoughts and feelings as it is a way to express worries onto paper!

I know some of you already have a diary which you use to express yourself or document how your day went. 

Today's task is thinking about 'What went well?' - It's so important to look for the positives in every day and recognise what small achievements you have made.

You can
also make your own diary on today's challenge either using Purple Mash tools or one at home using paper :)
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Kindness Cup Nominations...
Salma nominated Syedi in Year 6! Well done Syedi! You are doing SO well! :)


Alice has also nominated Tanisha for asking how she was whilst on a phonecall home :) What a lovely selfless thing to do Tanisha - Well done :)
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Mental Health Awareness Week - Day 3

20/5/2020

 
Good morning sunshines,

This week I am doing a daily blog because it is 'Mental Health Awareness Week' and I really want you all to think about how you can look after your own mental and physical well-being during these times.

Today I will be talking about how being more hopeful will help you to be happier!



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But first I would like you to watch this video called ' I Am With You' by Olaf. It’s such a wonderful song, written from the point of view of Olaf as he is composing a letter to an unnamed friend about how much he misses them and can’t wait to see them again.

I love this song because it is so positive and shows that although we may not be beside someone physically we always are there for people because we CARE! 


Hope you enjoy my blog today!
Take care..Big smiles!

​Emily :)

Being hopeful

Being hopeful means believing things can be better.

It doesn't always mean things will be better but having that little bit of hope that things COULD be better makes us feel much happier.

Having a little bit of hope is changing our thoughts from negative to positive.

It's about saying I CAN instead of I CAN'T - it's about saying things may be difficult right now  but hopefully things MAY get better and that's what you should focus on. 

So try to think about how you can change your negative thoughts or words to positive.

Think about how you can plan something to have a POSITIVE outcome and what steps you need to take to get there.

You'll get there - I believe in you.

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ELSA - Day 3

Every single one of you are SPECIAL! Here is your Day 3 Kindness challenge - About being KIND to yourself!

​Have a look at the tasks below!
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Place 2Be Kindness Cup!

Olivia has nominated Ruth for taking care of Year 4! 
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Salma has nominated Aman and his mum for their lovely act of kindess!
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Mental Health Awareness Week.

19/5/2020

 
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 Good morning everybody,

It's DAY 2 of Mental Health Awareness Week!

I want you to really think about what kindness means to you? 

I think that the true meaning of kindness is when you choose to do something for yourself or someone else that you know will be positive and uplifting to whatever the situation is. I believe true kindness comes from the heart and it's often those moments when someone opens a door for you, let's you sit down on a packed train, notices someone is sad and invites them to play in a game, or when someone gives you a compliment that really matters.

Here is a small story of  kindness I have seen at VPS...
 (although there are LOTS I have chosen this one!)


Ariya in Year 2 will notice and open a door for me if I am trying to get through (I often have lots of equipment or folders of some sort in my hands !) as Year 4 and 2 classrooms are next door so we often see the lovely Year 2. Ariya will ALWAYS say 'Hello Emily' and she never forgets to say ''Thank You'' if I am holding a door and I always think that she shows remarkable kindness to others. Nobody has asked Ariya to do what she does- she just does it because she knows that it's respectful and a kind thing to do. I don't even think she knows she does it sometimes!
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Kindness forms itself in different ways but I think it's those little moments of someone looking out for another person that really counts! 

Today I am going to talk about two things you can get involved with..

The 'Place 2Be'  Kindness Cup and the Day 2 ELSA challenge! 
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Place2Be's Kindness Cup

For #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we're celebrating acts of kindness in our school. Is there a staff member or a friend/family member you think is really kind?

Let me know who and what they have done so we can celebrate their kindness with a @Place2Be Kindness Cup!


These people will be awarded a virtual certificate and placed on Twitter!  All you need to write is ''I nominate  __________ for _________''. You can email into admin@virgnia.towerhamlets.sch.uk or on Purple Mash! 

Kindness and mental health are deeply connected. At this difficult time, we want to celebrate the many examples of exceptional kindness we are seeing through our schools, as people go above and beyond to make a positive difference for the members of their school community. Our virtual 'Kindness Cups' are a way to celebrate the incredible acts of kindness taking place across our school communities. 


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Yousif in Year 4 has kicked off the kindness cup awards by sending in a nomination for Sam in Year 4! Well done Sam! 

Kalid also very kindly nominated Salma and I for an award :) Thank you Kalid it was really nice to read.
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https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kindness-to-yourself-challenge.pdf
Day 2 of ELSA Challenge...

Today you can write or draw about a mistake you may have made today (or yesterday).

It is really important to our mental health when we forgive ourselves for mistakes we may have made. Everybody makes mistakes - there is nobody who is perfect!

We can always learn from our mistakes! 

Follow the layout below! :)


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Mental Health Awareness Week

18/5/2020

 
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Hello all,

I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! Did you do anything nice? I took part in a fabulous quiz with my family for my Dad and brother's birthday. (That's my brother Alfie in the photo) I am missing them so much but I hope to see them soon.

When I really miss them, I just try to think of all the really happy times we've had and how we can have many more when it is safe to do so. I bet some of you are missing family members too. I am so grateful for technology - it has enabled us to connect which is so important for all of us to have a healthy mind.

This week is 'Mental Health Awareness Week' - and the theme is 'KINDNESS'. Across your class blogs and Purple Mash there will be a focus on 'kindness' and the importance of talking about how you feel and focusing on looking after your own mental health.


Scroll down to find out more...
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What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. 

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (mentalhealth.org)


How is Mental Health and Kindness connected?  (adapted from mentalhealth.org.uk)

Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others  to make a positive difference.  We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected.  It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence. 
I will be posting a 5-day ELSA challenge all around KINDNESS that the lovely Debbie has created for children across the world. Today - think about all the things you do today that YOU deserve a compliment for.

For example- waking up on time, conquering a tricky maths problem,  being kind to your sibling etc.
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/good-mental-health-awareness-week-kindness-to-yourself/

You can print it out if you would like :)
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Definition of 'kindness'     kindness
Word forms: plural kindnesses
1. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN
Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful.
We have been treated with such kindness by everybody. 
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Mirror mirror on the wall...who has shown the greatest mindset of them all!

15/5/2020

 
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Good morning everyone,

I hope that you are all OK ! Thank you for sharing your wonderful words, thoughts, memories, poems about Lizzie.  They were truly heartwarming and we will be sure to pass on your wonderful words to her family.

Today I want to talk to you about 'MINDSET'. Some of you will be familiar with the term 'GROWTH MINDSET' as it's something we focus on a lot at school to ensure we get the very best out of our learning.

I don't have an activity for today's blog post but it's something I want you to read and reflect on for next week.


MINDSET:  mind-set - noun -an attitude, disposition, or mood.


No, but seriously...I really CAN.

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How many of you have felt like this picture of an egg during our time at home. 

I know I have - I have had days where I have been SUPER productive and had a really positive mindset and days where I just really couldn't get myself motivated.

I TOTALLY understand that this is a really challenging time for you all right now...BUT I want you to think about your mindset to your learning and how we can improve it!


Learning at home is VERY different to learning at school but it's all about YOUR attitude which will make it either a positive or very negative experience.

You need to have some strategies in place for when you have days where you think you CANT do it!
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Teachers and TA's are always ready to answer any questions you may have about the learning - whether it's through email or purple mash.

You can also HELP YOURSELF to develop a better growth mindset. You can change your words like the picture I have included below. 

You can also help yourself by having a routine and trying har to stick to it. You will have days where your learning may be disrupted but its all about how you get back on tarck that counts.

We are super proud of all of you, and I know that sometimes laying down on your bed like Mr Egg will happen but you CAN do it and you have our support.


Have a lovely weekend and really think about how you can get your mindset back on track next week to ensure you are getting the very best out of your learning.


Big smiles!

Emily


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A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.

12/5/2020

 
Hello everyone,

As you may already know, we have some sad news that Lizzie, our very special staff member, has died.

I know most of you will have heard of cancer, and know that sometimes people with cancer get better, but other times people die from it.

Lizzie had been been ill with cancer for a long time and died peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

We have created some blogs for you on Purple Mash to talk about your own feelings,  and to talk openly about the relationship that you had with Lizzie.

Some of you may want to share a happy special memory that you have of Lizzie - something you will always remember and treasure.

I will also attach some activities you may like to do at home to help with how you're feeling.


​

We are all here for you if you need us.
​
Emily :)


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You could...

Make a card with a ‘thinking about you’ message Make a card or letter to show you care.

Make a thank you card 

More ideas below. 

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Did you know... that YOU are a HERO!

11/5/2020

 
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Hello everybody,

It has been a little while since I wrote a blog post as it has been the bank holiday weekend! I have been spending time with my family who I live with  and have spent some time in the kitchen baking....( I will tell you more about this soon).

On VE Day, I went for a long walk as part of my daily exercise. I was lucky enough to see the RAF Red Arrows Fly Over - it was brilliant.  I have uploaded some photos for you to see. 
It really was a wonderful day  to remember the great heroes who fought and those who lost their lives in conflict for our country.

What have you been up to over the weekend? Have you learnt anything new? We really love to see your photos!

Big smiles!

Emily :)



Today my blog is all about YOU and to thank you for being a 'Stay At Home Hero!'



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Did you know that YOU are infact a hero too?

I know that is a really difficult time for you all - and I know that sometimes it really is difficult to get yourself motivated as learning at home is so different from learning at school but YOU are a hero in this situation.
(We will be looking at mindset later in the week).

YOU have had to be so brave.

It has been a strange time but YOU are still doing your best.



YOU have had to deal with so many changes - BIG changes that even us adults are having to deal with. 

​Keep on being the BEST you can be! 


Below is a poem that I wanted to share with you all.  
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/ 
Definition of a hero!
​

a : a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities
b : 
a person who is greatly admired

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I have attached an activity for you to  talk about how you have been a COVID19 Superhero!

You can talk about how your superpowers have been ranging from 'super courage' to 'positivity power' 

We are super proud of you all! 

t-t-12146-my-superhero-identity-activity-sheet-_ver_2.pdf
File Size: 173 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Baby, baby, baby...OHHHH!

5/5/2020

 
Good morning everybody!

Today I have a fun task for you!
I have asked the lovely VPS staff to send me in their baby photos!

Can you guess who is who....I have made a post on Purple Mash for you to submit your answers! Get guessing!

I wonder who will be champion and guess them all right?!

Have a lovely day
Big Smiles :)
​Emily 

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Can you guess who is it from their baby photo?!
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Create your very own 2020 Covid -19 Time Capsule!

4/5/2020

 
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Hello everybody,

I hope you've had a lovely weekend with your family.
The weather hasn't been as great has it? To be honest, I've quite enjoyed the rain. It's very calming sitting on the sofa listening to the rain hitting the window whilst enjoying a cup of tea and too many biscuits (haha)!

Today I want to show you a resource that you might like...
(parents I will attach a link so you can print out if you need to).

​As you all know, we are living through extraordinary times!
This time of our lives will go down in  history  and you have been part of this history so why not document it? 

You can use this resource as a start and if you cant print  it out NO problem! Make your own! Use the ideas, get a shoe-box and fill it with lots of different things to do with what is happening at the moment!

I hope you have fun with this! 
Big Smiles
Emily :)

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2020-covid-19-time-capsule-en-us.pdf
File Size: 225 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

CLICK THIS LINK! <<<<<<<<<<<<
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COVID-19 Time Capsule - is a free downloadable activity created by Natalie Long of LONG Creations who decided that it would be fun to make a little time capsule of this life event we are all living through.

Why not have a go at making your own time capsule with your family, the resource includes:
- Draw Family Picture
- All About Me
- How I'm Feeling
- My Community
- What I Am Doing At Home
- Handprint Page
- Special Occasion
- Letter To Myself
- Interview Your Household
- Letter From Your Household
What is a time capsule?

A 
time capsule is a container that is filled with present day things, such as newspapers, photos, letters etc., that is then hidden away in a closet or buried in your garden, for a time, and then opened by your future self, or someone of your choosing. A present for the future!
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NEW WELL BEING CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF MAY!

1/5/2020

 
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Lots of fun well-being activities for the whole month! Hurray!
 Good morning my Sunshines!

It's Friday and the sun is shining! I've just made myself a lovely cup of tea and now I am updating the blogs from my comfy bed as the sun shines through my curtains....What a great combination! 

Today I would like to share with you this resource from the  ELSA Support website of 31 different activities to focus on your well-being during the month of May! I will share the link so you can print it out or simply check it every day to see each new activity as the days go on! 

I think you will really enjoy the activities! Have a wonderful weekend - 
Be safe- Be Kind- Be YOU!

Big smiles 
Emily :)


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may-calendar.pdf
File Size: 2708 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Click the link above :) (PDF file)
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