  Celebrating Children's Mental Health Week 2021
This week our children at school have taken part in Mindfulness activities. Here is a great photo of the KS2 bubble taking on ' Mindfulness Yoga! The Ks1 children really enjoyed the 'Wellness Warrior - The Power of Yet' videos to kick start their mornings!
Here is a collection of some fantastic Gruffalos! We hope to get all of your wonderful Gruffalos displayed in school to remind of us of this creative whole school Art Project! Thank you for getting involved and making this a huge success!Some more excellent artwork!Staff Gruffalos!Yusuf explains his colour choices for his Gruffalo!
Not forgetting our wondeful Gruffalos sent in by parents! As part of Children's Mental Health Week, reception have been thinking about their emotions. They used different food items to recreate some of these.
On Friday we took part in Place2Be's 'Dress To Express Day' - It was wonderful to see everyone dressed in bright colours and in outfits they felt best represented them as a person!
Interview with Aoife - Year 2 teacher
Nazimah (Year 6 School Councillor) interviews Emily the Emotional Wellbeing Leader (Me) :)Interview with Shyma - Trainee Teacher.
Year 5/6 All About Me Posters! Here is a selection below: Let's celebrate uniqueness and individuality this Children's Mental Health Week!
SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK:
A whole 28 days of ELSA activities!If you are feeling a little bored at home why not give some of these AMAZING ELSA activities a try! I will attach the link and each day you could come and have a go at the activity which is based around the theme EXPRESS YOURSELF! All you need is a pencil, some paper and your imagination! Reflect how you feel when you do each activity - it may help to put you in the green zone!
Below I have chosen a beautiful quote to show you from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. It says: ''This storm is long.'' ''It will pass.'' ''Will it?'' ''Yes'' said the horse. ''So hold on''. Keep holding on everyone! You are more resilient than you know and if you are struggling make sure you reach out to either, your parents, me, your teacher or someone that you trust! These times will pass and we will be able to reunite again when times are safer. 
''Now, as always, we are all in this together, and we can only get through it together'' -This Is Beyond.
You proved you could do 'remote learning' once before and I am certain that you can do it again!
On the ELSA blog I will try to leave you some things to do in your day to look after your emotional wellbeing. You have Google Classrooms to chat to us if you need us for anything. The Purple Mash ELSA blog is also back in action so please reach out to me or your teachers if you have any questions.
14 Isolation Diary
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Credit to
@ELSA support. https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/ |
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Hello everyone,
Well done for all of your resilience and kindness you have all shown this term!
In Year 6, we've had the Mental'Elf Elf who has been setting the children different missions of kindness and making us all laugh with his antics!
It has been really great seeing you all using the 'Zones of Regulation' to regulate your emotions and to describe how you are feeling. It was amazing when I walked past Year 3 and heard Yahya I say in guided reading '' The boy is in the Green Zone''.
If you haven't already seen it you MUST watch our AMAZING Jerusalema Video that has put smiles on so many faces! We've all had such a fab time putting it together.
For the next two weeks make sure you all rest and take some time to look after your mental and physical wellbeing.
I will add a list below of different websites you can explore. If you have a printer at home you may want to print some things out'.
Don't worry if you don't have a printer!
You can still access some of the activities and do it on paper :)
Merry Christmas and let's hope for a very happy and healthy 2021.
I also want you not to worry about the news of London going into Tier 4.
Remember - these decisions are put in place to keep us all safe.
It will be very sad if you don't get to see some of your family like planned but try think that there will be good times again - but for now we have to work together to keep each other safe.
Keep positive - we will get through these difficult times together.
Big Smiles
Emily
Well done for all of your resilience and kindness you have all shown this term!
In Year 6, we've had the Mental'Elf Elf who has been setting the children different missions of kindness and making us all laugh with his antics!
It has been really great seeing you all using the 'Zones of Regulation' to regulate your emotions and to describe how you are feeling. It was amazing when I walked past Year 3 and heard Yahya I say in guided reading '' The boy is in the Green Zone''.
If you haven't already seen it you MUST watch our AMAZING Jerusalema Video that has put smiles on so many faces! We've all had such a fab time putting it together.
For the next two weeks make sure you all rest and take some time to look after your mental and physical wellbeing.
I will add a list below of different websites you can explore. If you have a printer at home you may want to print some things out'.
Don't worry if you don't have a printer!
You can still access some of the activities and do it on paper :)
Merry Christmas and let's hope for a very happy and healthy 2021.
I also want you not to worry about the news of London going into Tier 4.
Remember - these decisions are put in place to keep us all safe.
It will be very sad if you don't get to see some of your family like planned but try think that there will be good times again - but for now we have to work together to keep each other safe.
Keep positive - we will get through these difficult times together.
Big Smiles
Emily
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/worry-jar/ - Worry Jar.
https://www.doorwayonline.org.uk/ - interactive activities covering a whole range of subjects and year groups
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ - huge treasure trove of activities that cover a whole range of subjects. Also holds links to games etc that are hosted by other sites.
http://www.pobble365.com/ - a new picture is shared each day to provoke discussion, debate or writing ideas.
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/ - Try some of our breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
https://www.headspace.com/meditation/kids - Meditation for kids!
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen - Free audio stories - sit back and unwind.
I really think you will like this 'About Me' Christmas Booklet filled with lots of fun activities!!
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Christmas-memory-book.pdf
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/christmas-activity-booklet/
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wreath-mindfulness-activity/ - Craft activity!
I will add any more I find! :)
P.s You children are all so kind to each other, and after reading your Christmas cards and seeing the ' Random Acts of Kindness' that has been happening in KS2- I was inspired to do something for the staff!
I asked Barbara, after seeing the idea on Twitter, if we could ask all your lovely parents and carers to send in messages of support to the teachers and support staff! Well they were absolutely AMAZING and all of us were so grateful for your kind words.
I asked Barbara, after seeing the idea on Twitter, if we could ask all your lovely parents and carers to send in messages of support to the teachers and support staff! Well they were absolutely AMAZING and all of us were so grateful for your kind words.
Hello everyone!
Well done for a FABULOUS return back to VPS! We are so delighted to be teaching you in the classroom again, even though there are lots of changes!
You have all coped well with the new Covid safe rules and it is so good to see such a buzz around the school as you take part in lots of exciting learning.
The Daily Mile has been going well too. Majority of the classes (weather permitting) have been running everyday - what a great way to improve your mental health by exercising and clearing your mind whilst keeping fit!
I have really enjoyed seeing Year 5 and 6 at 'The Space' - I am so glad you sign up and use this space to talk so well about any issues you are facing, or just as a time to have some 'space' away in the day.
Year 6 have really been incredible during the 'Zones of Regulation lessons- I am so thrilled when I hear you talking about what zone you are in, and also identifying other peoples body language and mood to identify which zone they may be in!
You have produced some amazing work.
It is half term this week so below I have put a link to a Top 10 things to do in Half Term.
On my Purple Mash blog I have put a 'Self Care Suggestion' where you can tell us what you may do to take care of yourself this week so that others can maybe try what you do!
Have a wonderful week! Be kind, stay safe and enjoy!
See you soon.
Big Smiles.
Emily.
Well done for a FABULOUS return back to VPS! We are so delighted to be teaching you in the classroom again, even though there are lots of changes!
You have all coped well with the new Covid safe rules and it is so good to see such a buzz around the school as you take part in lots of exciting learning.
The Daily Mile has been going well too. Majority of the classes (weather permitting) have been running everyday - what a great way to improve your mental health by exercising and clearing your mind whilst keeping fit!
I have really enjoyed seeing Year 5 and 6 at 'The Space' - I am so glad you sign up and use this space to talk so well about any issues you are facing, or just as a time to have some 'space' away in the day.
Year 6 have really been incredible during the 'Zones of Regulation lessons- I am so thrilled when I hear you talking about what zone you are in, and also identifying other peoples body language and mood to identify which zone they may be in!
You have produced some amazing work.
It is half term this week so below I have put a link to a Top 10 things to do in Half Term.
On my Purple Mash blog I have put a 'Self Care Suggestion' where you can tell us what you may do to take care of yourself this week so that others can maybe try what you do!
Have a wonderful week! Be kind, stay safe and enjoy!
See you soon.
Big Smiles.
Emily.
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<<<<<<< This is where to find my ELSA blog on Purple Mash!
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Parents, are you looking for half-term ideas for things to do?https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/top-10-half-term-activities-for-kids
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Help children to #Thrive by taking a look at these resources to help the whole family feel good about life. They are simple and straight forward resources to support mental well-being for the whole family.
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A few weeks ago, Year 6 took part in a lesson for #WorldMentalHealthDay They were mature, open and happy to discuss the challenges of mental health, even relating to a character in their current class novel.
Here are some of their positive messages of support to others! You can find more of these beautiful messages displayed in the learning space.
Here are some of their positive messages of support to others! You can find more of these beautiful messages displayed in the learning space.
Hello everyone,
Well, this week is the last week of the whole school year and what a weird year it has been.
COVID 19 has been something that has challenged us all in one way or another at different points. Like I have said before you have all been HEROES with coping witch such big changes, whilst also producing high quality work. I have attached a 'A to Z of Wellbeing' for you to think about what you will need as the lockdown begins to relax to make sure you are mentally looking after yourself. I have also attached a 30 challenge activity pack further down this blog to keep you busy and positive during the summer holidays!
Parents if you are interested in this for your child either print off from the link below or contact the school for a pack.
Ruth and I were reflecting on the lock-down on Friday during the keyworkers children circle time and we both said how grateful we our for the little things and how we will never take simple things for granted. What are you more grateful for now? We can talk about this more in September!
The reason I have used the photo above is because normally at the end of the year, it is the children who will make cards or tell their teachers 'thank you' for their hardwork. However, I wanted to use this opportunity to say THANK YOU to YOU because each one of you have touched all of the teachers lives throughout this year. We really appreciate you all showing rights respecting behaviour, and being so kind to eachother.
We appreciate how you use your growth mindset to complete the work and make teaching such a joy for all of us. We appreciate how you smile and ask us how we are feeling, make us wonderful cards, trust us with your worries and fears and make us feel so proud.
So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKYOU!!
I will wrap this up now, but please all remember to have a safe, restful summer holiday.
We cannot wait to hopefully see you all in September!
Keep being the stars that you all are!
Big Smiles
Emily
:)
Well, this week is the last week of the whole school year and what a weird year it has been.
COVID 19 has been something that has challenged us all in one way or another at different points. Like I have said before you have all been HEROES with coping witch such big changes, whilst also producing high quality work. I have attached a 'A to Z of Wellbeing' for you to think about what you will need as the lockdown begins to relax to make sure you are mentally looking after yourself. I have also attached a 30 challenge activity pack further down this blog to keep you busy and positive during the summer holidays!
Parents if you are interested in this for your child either print off from the link below or contact the school for a pack.
Ruth and I were reflecting on the lock-down on Friday during the keyworkers children circle time and we both said how grateful we our for the little things and how we will never take simple things for granted. What are you more grateful for now? We can talk about this more in September!
The reason I have used the photo above is because normally at the end of the year, it is the children who will make cards or tell their teachers 'thank you' for their hardwork. However, I wanted to use this opportunity to say THANK YOU to YOU because each one of you have touched all of the teachers lives throughout this year. We really appreciate you all showing rights respecting behaviour, and being so kind to eachother.
We appreciate how you use your growth mindset to complete the work and make teaching such a joy for all of us. We appreciate how you smile and ask us how we are feeling, make us wonderful cards, trust us with your worries and fears and make us feel so proud.
So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKYOU!!
I will wrap this up now, but please all remember to have a safe, restful summer holiday.
We cannot wait to hopefully see you all in September!
Keep being the stars that you all are!
Big Smiles
Emily
:)
'How luck are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard...'
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Dear Year 6, Your legacy will always live on at VPS. You gave the school such an energy and your laughter was so infectious. There have been many times you have made me laugh but spending time with Group 2 the last few weeks has been an absolute blast! All the staff have really enjoyed getting to know you throughout your time at Virginia and each one of you bring something so special to this world. Please remember all of the conversations we've had in 'The Space' or in class about being assertive and standing up for what is right and supporting others to do the same. Follow your dreams & reach for the stars Year 6, We'll really miss you - you are always welcome to come back and visit us! Best of luck for secondary- show them what a VPS child is made of! All of my love. Emily. |
ELSA Support Summer Holiday Challenge Diary 2020
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This summer holiday challenge diary is for you to print off! There are 30 challenges with a diary sheet for each. This diary will hopefully help you to stay positive over the holidays in a mindful and fun way. Parents please click on the link below to download and print off this wonderful pack. |
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What you can do if you feel worried...
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A worry jar can be incredibly helpful for you to dump/write down your worries. You might find that just writing them down gives them that outlet to forget your worry or it is a way of dealing with it.
If you wish to show your parents they may help with that particular worry. If not try to think of a they plan/strategy for dealing with that worry. | ||
A to Z of Wellbeing after lockdownWhy not have a go at this wonderful A to Z worksheet and try to think about all the things you will need to ensure your wellbeing is looked after throughout the holidays and when we return to school
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''“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” – Roald Dahl''
Hello everyone,
I hope you are well. Monday 6th July we will be welcoming Year 4 and 5 back into school to say goodbye to their teachers and meet their new teacher and TA!
We really hope you can make it - we have made it as possibly as safe as we can!
If you cannot make it, please do not worry. We will still be thinking of you and we will miss you but we understand.
Today I want to talk to you about being GRATEFUL.
Did you know finding things to be grateful about can really boost wellbeing.
definition:feeling thankful or showing thanks for kindness or something pleasing.
I hope you are well. Monday 6th July we will be welcoming Year 4 and 5 back into school to say goodbye to their teachers and meet their new teacher and TA!
We really hope you can make it - we have made it as possibly as safe as we can!
If you cannot make it, please do not worry. We will still be thinking of you and we will miss you but we understand.
Today I want to talk to you about being GRATEFUL.
Did you know finding things to be grateful about can really boost wellbeing.
definition:feeling thankful or showing thanks for kindness or something pleasing.
Things we can be grateful for:
Gratitude Jars...
I have attached an activity you might want to do at home!
This gratitude jar will help you to look for the positives in your lives.
'Being Grateful' is strongly linked to being happy.
The jar without lines can be decorated with pictures, photographs and words. Make it colourful. It could also be used each day and you could add just one thing for that day they you grateful or thankful for.
Of course you could make an actual jar with a lovely label and ask the child to fill it each day with things they are grateful for.
I will attach the file if you have a printer but if you don't, either draw out your own jar, or fill a box or jar around the house with all the things you are grateful for.
Click here to print:
| gratitude-jar.zip |
Here are some other ways you can express gratitude...
Say please and thank you.
Our manners show that we do not believe we are entitled to anything, and that in fact, we appreciate whatever comes our way.
Help someone less fortunate.
This could be your neighbour down the street, grandma, or someone you know who is in a tough spot.
Send out thank you cards/.Give someone a gift.
Express your gratitude for those who have added value to your life.
Look for awe-inspiring moments in your day.
Share your gratitude at bedtime.
Take five minutes at the end of the day to ask yourself about what you are thankful for that day.
Compliment others.
Share the things you appreciate about another person.
Write a letter.
Write a letter to someone who has touched his life in some way.
Create a family gratitude list.
Post it on the fridge. Add to it when necessary.
Create a family gratitude journal.
Leave it somewhere where everyone can access it and encourage your family to write in it whenever they are feeling grateful.
Always look for the positive.Find something positive in frustrating situations and discuss it..
Take gratitude walks.While you walk, look for the simple pleasures in the day, such as the warm sun or the birds singing and express appreciation for them. Use this time to ask your kids what they are grateful for.
Our manners show that we do not believe we are entitled to anything, and that in fact, we appreciate whatever comes our way.
Help someone less fortunate.
This could be your neighbour down the street, grandma, or someone you know who is in a tough spot.
Send out thank you cards/.Give someone a gift.
Express your gratitude for those who have added value to your life.
Look for awe-inspiring moments in your day.
Share your gratitude at bedtime.
Take five minutes at the end of the day to ask yourself about what you are thankful for that day.
Compliment others.
Share the things you appreciate about another person.
Write a letter.
Write a letter to someone who has touched his life in some way.
Create a family gratitude list.
Post it on the fridge. Add to it when necessary.
Create a family gratitude journal.
Leave it somewhere where everyone can access it and encourage your family to write in it whenever they are feeling grateful.
Always look for the positive.Find something positive in frustrating situations and discuss it..
Take gratitude walks.While you walk, look for the simple pleasures in the day, such as the warm sun or the birds singing and express appreciation for them. Use this time to ask your kids what they are grateful for.
Hello everyone,
How are you doing?
I hope you have started to gather together your thoughts/questions for us to try to answer. Remember you can talk to us on Purple Mash or email your Question mind maps to admin@virginia.towerhamlets.sch.co.uk
On Friday, you will receive some information about an invitation to come into school to meet your new teachers and for us to wish you a happy summer holiday.
We are really hopeful that most of you every will be able to come back to school for a short time to see your friends, say goodbye to your teachers and meet your new ones.
This will happen in the playground (hall if raining) and in groups no bigger than 15 children, physically distanced.
At school Joan and Barbara are working super hard to finalise the times/days so make sure you remind your parents to keep their eyes peeled for more information!
Something that I also want to share with is that we will be saying goodbye to Shay and Louise at the end of the school year.
Shay is going to be working in a school in Newham, closer to home, and Louise will be pursuing her passion of working with children with complex needs in a special school. Both Shay and Louise will be greatly missed by us all.
They have really made a difference to us all at VPS- their kindness and support will be remembered.
Today I want to share with you a special story and an activity that I love about 'making a difference' .
Hope you enjoy it.
Be safe, Be kind. Be YOU!
Emily.
How are you doing?
I hope you have started to gather together your thoughts/questions for us to try to answer. Remember you can talk to us on Purple Mash or email your Question mind maps to admin@virginia.towerhamlets.sch.co.uk
On Friday, you will receive some information about an invitation to come into school to meet your new teachers and for us to wish you a happy summer holiday.
We are really hopeful that most of you every will be able to come back to school for a short time to see your friends, say goodbye to your teachers and meet your new ones.
This will happen in the playground (hall if raining) and in groups no bigger than 15 children, physically distanced.
At school Joan and Barbara are working super hard to finalise the times/days so make sure you remind your parents to keep their eyes peeled for more information!
Something that I also want to share with is that we will be saying goodbye to Shay and Louise at the end of the school year.
Shay is going to be working in a school in Newham, closer to home, and Louise will be pursuing her passion of working with children with complex needs in a special school. Both Shay and Louise will be greatly missed by us all.
They have really made a difference to us all at VPS- their kindness and support will be remembered.
Today I want to share with you a special story and an activity that I love about 'making a difference' .
Hope you enjoy it.
Be safe, Be kind. Be YOU!
Emily.
The Starfish Story
As you read this story I want you to think about these two questions:
What is the message of the story?
What could the starfish represent?
What is the message of the story?
What could the starfish represent?
Did you enjoy this story? Every-time I read it, it warms my heart!
The starfish story is such a powerful story to help people understand that the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference! Doing something kind or helpful for someone, no matter how small it is, makes a huge difference!
I will leave you with a sheet that you can track all of the times you complete a small act of kindness or support someone!
Give it a go and see if you can fill the whole sheet!
The starfish story is such a powerful story to help people understand that the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference! Doing something kind or helpful for someone, no matter how small it is, makes a huge difference!
I will leave you with a sheet that you can track all of the times you complete a small act of kindness or support someone!
Give it a go and see if you can fill the whole sheet!
| made_a_difference.pdf |
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Good morning all,
How are you? Did you have a nice weekend? I hope you had some time for some self care. I took some time out this weekend to write down everything I have achieved this school year and the positive things that has happened. I know it's been a really strange time the last few months but actually, writing things down helped me to see all the great times we've all had before lockdown, and the positives during it. It was nice to reflect on all the good times and small achievements I have made. |
Why don't you try this too? On a piece of paper write down everything you have achieved. What positive changes have you made? Have you progressed in your learning? Have you developed a better mindset?
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Things are beginning to change, and slowly and safely it seems to be getting a little bit back to 'life before lock down'.
This might excite you, or worry you.
But it's OK - people will feel a mixture of different emotions.
Something I did want to let you know is as a school we are working hard to make sure you are aware of the changes for when you may return to school.
We will try our very best to ensure you know exactly what is happening.
At home, you might want to start brainstorming things you would like to find out about next year.
You might write down what questions you have? What are your worries? What are you looking forward to?
As you start to find out different things you can tick them off.
You can copy out the brainstorm on a piece of paper and send it in on Purple Mash to your teachers
or send them into admin@virginia.towerhamlets.sch.uk!
At home, you might want to start brainstorming things you would like to find out about next year.
You might write down what questions you have? What are your worries? What are you looking forward to?
As you start to find out different things you can tick them off.
You can copy out the brainstorm on a piece of paper and send it in on Purple Mash to your teachers
or send them into admin@virginia.towerhamlets.sch.uk!
'You are stronger than you believe, braver than you know & smarter than you think!'
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Good morning everyone,
I hope you are ok and enjoying the sunshine! I am working outside in my garden this morning. It's B-E-A-UTIFUL! Here is a photo of me and some of the children at school yesterday! It was very hot but we completed all the learning on the blogs! We got a little bit silly when we realised how we could take photos on the chromebook! :) Today I want to leave you with a Self Esteem acitvity. |
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What is Self Esteem?
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Some people think self esteem is feeling good about yourself. But self esteem is more than that.
'Self esteem is something that must come from inside your own heart. Self esteem doesn't come from someone giving you a trophy or telling you you're great. Self esteem is about believing in your heart that you are able to make choices you are proud of, and that even when you make a mistake, you are still worth loving.' When you don't have strong self-esteem, you could say you have low esteem, or low self-esteem. |
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An activity that I would like you to try is a 'Well being Shield'
What do you already know about shields? What are they used for? Who used them? What were their purpose?
You may mostly know about them being used as a piece of armour (used in battle).
You're right- they were used as a piece of armour, for protection and to look “powerful”.
However today I want you to combine that 'power and strength' you would get from a shield and think about your own 'power and strengths'.
Did you know power and strength isn’t always physical - it’s emotional too.
What makes up your “armour”?
What are your characteristics and strengths that makes you powerful and strong? What activities make you feel powerful and strong?
You can either print out this sheet below, or create your own shield thinking about the characteristics and strengths.
For example mine would be:
Humorous, Loyal, Friendly, Loud, Creative.
For humorous I could draw someone laughing, for loyal I could draw a lion, for friendly I could draw a heart with people standing around it etc....
You may want to make your own one out of cardboard!
Click here to print out! Or get a rough idea of how to copy out your shield. |
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Good morning lovely VPS people,
I hope you are well. The weather is absolutely bonkers at the moment - one minute the sun is shining the next it's raining and chilly! This week we could get tempertures of 31 degrees! Yikes! I think a storm may follow as that is VERY hot for little old London town!
Storms can be a bit scary but some people find them quite relaxing! Just looking out the window at the rain gushing down and the lightening brightening up the sky can make you feel all cosy.
I guess the weather is a bit of a reflection of how some of us may be feeling at the moment. There's moments (like the sunshine) where we feel all warm and fuzzy and happy but then there may be days of feeling quite glum ( like a wet rainy day).
Today I want to give you some mindfulness tasks! Did you know that mindfulness is a valuable tool that can help us. If you try to do some mindfulness every day it could have an impact on your feelings of anxiety, as it can encourage you to be calmer.
You may want to add some mindfulness to the end of your school day to wind down reflect on what you achieved in your work.
Go and find a really cosy spot in your house and try out this video - it focuses on how 'breathing' can help to calm you down and help you to relax.
I hope you are well. The weather is absolutely bonkers at the moment - one minute the sun is shining the next it's raining and chilly! This week we could get tempertures of 31 degrees! Yikes! I think a storm may follow as that is VERY hot for little old London town!
Storms can be a bit scary but some people find them quite relaxing! Just looking out the window at the rain gushing down and the lightening brightening up the sky can make you feel all cosy.
I guess the weather is a bit of a reflection of how some of us may be feeling at the moment. There's moments (like the sunshine) where we feel all warm and fuzzy and happy but then there may be days of feeling quite glum ( like a wet rainy day).
Today I want to give you some mindfulness tasks! Did you know that mindfulness is a valuable tool that can help us. If you try to do some mindfulness every day it could have an impact on your feelings of anxiety, as it can encourage you to be calmer.
You may want to add some mindfulness to the end of your school day to wind down reflect on what you achieved in your work.
Go and find a really cosy spot in your house and try out this video - it focuses on how 'breathing' can help to calm you down and help you to relax.
| elsa-support-mindful-challenge.pdf |
An optional 5 Day Elsa Support Mindfulness Challenge
A craft idea...
Print out, colour and enjoy!
| heart-boxes-mindfulness.pdf |
'' I AM GOING TO EXPLODE - I AM ABOUT TO FLIP MY LID''
Bonjour!
Emily here..again!
I hope you are all doing well. I am SUPER impressed with your home learning that I have seen on the other blogs. You are all working really hard and should all give yourselves a HUGE pat on the back.
Before I get started on my blog today I want to give a special mention to Yousif, Sam, Zakiya , Sabine and Asma!
On the home phone calls all of them were so chatty, and had such a positive mindset! It was such a joy to talk to you all today - you all brightened up this rainy afternoon!
So today I have something from the BBC website that I want you to have a look at!
Often we have overwhelming feelings sometimes that can cause us to ' Flip our Lid'. This means it makes us SUPER ANGRY and frustrated.
Sometimes we don't know how we have got to this point, or we don't know how to calm ourselves down.
This film talks about what happens in our brains when we feel strong emotions such as anxiety, fear and anger.
Dr Hilary then suggests what you can do to calm down and move on from these intense feelings.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/pshe-ks2-the-brain-house/zd7kd6f - CLICK THIS
Emily here..again!
I hope you are all doing well. I am SUPER impressed with your home learning that I have seen on the other blogs. You are all working really hard and should all give yourselves a HUGE pat on the back.
Before I get started on my blog today I want to give a special mention to Yousif, Sam, Zakiya , Sabine and Asma!
On the home phone calls all of them were so chatty, and had such a positive mindset! It was such a joy to talk to you all today - you all brightened up this rainy afternoon!
So today I have something from the BBC website that I want you to have a look at!
Often we have overwhelming feelings sometimes that can cause us to ' Flip our Lid'. This means it makes us SUPER ANGRY and frustrated.
Sometimes we don't know how we have got to this point, or we don't know how to calm ourselves down.
This film talks about what happens in our brains when we feel strong emotions such as anxiety, fear and anger.
Dr Hilary then suggests what you can do to calm down and move on from these intense feelings.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/pshe-ks2-the-brain-house/zd7kd6f - CLICK THIS
Dr Hazel Harrison uses an analogy of the brain being like a house, with different types of people living on each floor, to explain what is happening in our brains when we feel strong emotions.
For an extra task I have found an activity for you to make your very own brain (which you can then label the parts)
Or if you have no playdough at home you could copy out a brain shape or print off the link and colour and label it yourself :)
For an extra task I have found an activity for you to make your very own brain (which you can then label the parts)
Or if you have no playdough at home you could copy out a brain shape or print off the link and colour and label it yourself :)
| brain-map.pdf |
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Happy Monday everyone,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and spent some of the time resting too! My little sister has started her own baking business so I got to try out some of her treats! I am really proud of her because she was meant to take her GCSE's this year but because of Covid19 she wasn't able to. She's had to have a positive mindset and she used this time to get better at baking - so is now so good - she's selling her treats :) They were SO yummy - the one to the right was a chocolate Oreo Brownie and the one below is a a Custard Cream Blondie! Have you developed a new skill? I would love to know what this new skill may be? Today I have recorded a video of different ways you can manage the feeling of 'worry'. I have also left you with two activities to complete if you wish :) Have a nice day! Be safe, Be kind, BE YOU! Love Emily 
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Feeling worried... What can you do to manage it?
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I saw this creative idea on a website you can try....
Worry balloons
A really good way you could try to manage worries at home is by breathing your worries, troubles, or triggers into a balloon!
Keep blowing until all your worries are out!
When you are ready, you can choose to let the worry go and watch it as it gets smaller and smaller into the sky.
You can make some art too to remind yourself of how you can let go of your worries if it gets too much. You can write down how you will manage it and who you might ‘blow’ all your worries out to!
1) Draw yourself
2) Write your worries on a small piece of paper
( KS1 Parents can help write)
3) Place the worries inside of balloons.
4) Blow up the balloons (make sure you use small balloons or blow them up small enough to fit on the picture).
5) Attach or draw strings to the balloons and tape the balloons to the paper as a visual reminder for this new coping skill!
A really good way you could try to manage worries at home is by breathing your worries, troubles, or triggers into a balloon!
Keep blowing until all your worries are out!
When you are ready, you can choose to let the worry go and watch it as it gets smaller and smaller into the sky.
You can make some art too to remind yourself of how you can let go of your worries if it gets too much. You can write down how you will manage it and who you might ‘blow’ all your worries out to!
1) Draw yourself
2) Write your worries on a small piece of paper
( KS1 Parents can help write)
3) Place the worries inside of balloons.
4) Blow up the balloons (make sure you use small balloons or blow them up small enough to fit on the picture).
5) Attach or draw strings to the balloons and tape the balloons to the paper as a visual reminder for this new coping skill!
Good morning!
I hope you are all well and have been enjoying your home learning :) Today I have a video and a task you may like to try! First watch the video to help you understand what it means to have 'a bucket full of happiness' Did you know that we all have an invisible bucket and we should try to fill each other's bucket every day with acts of love and kindness. When you fill someone else's bucket you fill your own bucket too - making someone feel happy can make you feel happy too. Other people can fill your bucket by giving you compliments or being nice to you - giving you a warm hug, making you laugh, or doing something kind for you. |
I have attached a bucket full of happiness worksheet for you to either print off or copy onto a page.
You can fill your bucket up with lots of things that make you feel happy - you can add to it daily/weekly :) Have a wondeful weekend :) Be safe- Be Kind - Be YOU! Emily | ||
Good morning everyone,
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I hope you all have had a good start to your week! Today I returned to work after a long time.
It was lovely to see lots of familiar faces and other teachers and TA's. It made me so hopeful that things WILL get better and slowly but surely, we will all be together again one day having lots of fun and learning new exciting things. I hope my previous post was helpful to some of you- remember we are always here to listen to your worries. So today your activity it to: Learn more about your own family and celebrate different types of families. This activity is inspired by Stonewall and I found this activity on https://dreambigathome.uk/ Upload your work to Purple Mash - I would love to see it! :) Be safe, Be kind , Be YOU! Love Emily :) |
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Instructions
Draw your family. Start with the people you live with, then add other members of your extended family if you have them. Family doesn’t have to be people you are related to by birth – who feels like family to you?
Think about some other families.
Draw a family tree for someone whose family is quite different to yours. |
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Take it further
Create a short video using your pictures talking about what families have in common and what makes them different to each other. What different challenges and opportunities might different families face? You could interview some of your family or friends and find out about their experiences of family.
WORRIES ABOUT THE WORLD
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
There may be some of you who are feeling quite worried due to what is going on in the world.
You might hear or read something scary on social media or from someone else. Some stuff can be hard to make sense of like politics, climate change, natural disasters, and recent events such as Corona Virus and the death of George Floyd.
You might hear words like isolation, lockdown, social injustice, racism, protesting but not know what they mean.
Hearing about this stuff can make you feel anxious or scared. You might feel unsafe and if there are a lot of things in the news about what is happening it can feel really overwhelming.
But I do want to remind you that, there are so many wonderful people who are coming together to support the world to become a better place. People are peacefully protesting the important message of Black Lives Matter and raising awareness, and there are scientists and NHS staff who are working so hard to keep us safe from COVID 19.
There are so many incredible charities and volunteers supporting their communities to feel safe and there is lots of work going on to make sure schools are opening safely.
As teachers/support staff we can support you if you are feeling anxious or scared. We do not have all the answers to your questions but as adults we can try to help you to make some sense of the world.
Get in touch on Purple Mash if you want to speak to any of us about how you are feeling or have any questions you really want to ask.
Have a safe, relaxing and nice weekend.
Emily
x
Trusted links to find out more information and get support:
https://www.flipsnack.com/CSKidsBooks/what-s-going-on.html - A free book for younger children explaining COVID 19.
http://www.frodshamce.cheshire.sch.uk/serve_file/441282 - Corona Virus Social Story
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/ - Childline support for worries about the world.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52813673- George Floyd.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/news/watch_newsround - A video to help explain what is happening in America.
http://www.frodshamce.cheshire.sch.uk/serve_file/441282 - Corona Virus Social Story
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/your-feelings/anxiety-stress-panic/worries-about-the-world/ - Childline support for worries about the world.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52813673- George Floyd.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/news/watch_newsround - A video to help explain what is happening in America.
Some definitions of some words you may hear linked to the media...
Good morning !
Slighly late but here is a calendar for June with well-being suggestion activities and ideas for each day of the month.
You can download the calendar and print it off or you can look back at this every day. I will put a copy on my Purple Mash blog too.
Credit to : @ELSAsupport
Have a wonderful day.
Be Kind, Be YOU.
Love Emily.
Slighly late but here is a calendar for June with well-being suggestion activities and ideas for each day of the month.
You can download the calendar and print it off or you can look back at this every day. I will put a copy on my Purple Mash blog too.
Credit to : @ELSAsupport
Have a wonderful day.
Be Kind, Be YOU.
Love Emily.
| wellbeing-calendar-for-june.pdf |
Good morning everybody!
The forecast is rain today waaaaah! But we have been so lucky with this glorious sunshine so I cannot complain!
Today I have another video :) I'm starting to get better at recording myself on the camera even though I still feel a bit silly but I am getting there!
Today's feeling is BORED!
The meaning of bored:
1. feeling impatient or dissatisfied, because you are not interested in something or because you have nothing to do. If you want to say you are extremely bored, you can say you are bored stiff/rigid/silly or bored to tears.
I have included different ways you can manage your feeling of boredom at home in the video below.
Have a wonderful day!
Emily
:)
The forecast is rain today waaaaah! But we have been so lucky with this glorious sunshine so I cannot complain!
Today I have another video :) I'm starting to get better at recording myself on the camera even though I still feel a bit silly but I am getting there!
Today's feeling is BORED!
The meaning of bored:
1. feeling impatient or dissatisfied, because you are not interested in something or because you have nothing to do. If you want to say you are extremely bored, you can say you are bored stiff/rigid/silly or bored to tears.
I have included different ways you can manage your feeling of boredom at home in the video below.
Have a wonderful day!
Emily
:)
Untitled from Virginia Primary School on Vimeo.
A big thank you to Zakiya in Year 4 for these wonderful ideas to burst our boredom blues! You are a star - thank you for putting this list together for your friends :)
Hello everybody,
I would like to take this time to just talk about how you can stay kind online.
I would like to remind you all that when you are mad at someone, there are other ways to manage your anger instead of being unkind to someone else.
When you are mad, you need to talk about your anger and not call people names. Speak to your parent or teacher about what has upset you online - this is a much calmer way to sort of the issue and talk about how you are feeling.
Please remember the affects your words can have on somebody else. It really hurts the person's feelings - just like physical hurt. You will have butterflies in your tummy and a fire in your belly if you read something unkind about yourself.
Think about a time somebody called you a bad name and how you felt - I am sure it wasn't a nice feeling at all.
You also need to think about what you are actually arguing about online - is it really worth getting into a big fight over a game? Try and scale the problem down and think about your reaction to what is going on. Instead of using not very nice words when someone has upset you try to say
“ 'I'm angry and upset and I am leaving this chat now'' or ''I am disappointed that you are being mean to me- I am telling an adult.''
You have the choice to LOG OUT so when things are getting very tough and upsetting just log out and tell an adult straight away.
Please remember to be KIND online. During this time, the internet is one of the only things connecting us together, so please make sure you are using it safely and respectfully.
If you need to speak to me or your teacher about unkind behaviour online please do let us know.
Emily.
Remember...
'Sometimes it isn’t obvious that what you are doing is wrong, but if you use digital technology to upset, anger or embarrass someone on purpose, this means you’re involved in online bullying. It might be as simple as ‘liking’ a mean post, laughing at an online video, or spreading a rumour, but the person being bullied could feel like they are being ganged up on.
Think about how it would make you feel if it happened to you. Everyone can make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them - go back and delete any upsetting or nasty posts, tweets or comments you’ve written'
Think about how it would make you feel if it happened to you. Everyone can make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them - go back and delete any upsetting or nasty posts, tweets or comments you’ve written'
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Good morning wonderful VPS children!
I hope you have all had a wonderful half term. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, I know it has certainly put a HUGE smile on my face! What have you been up to? Please share with us on the blogs on Purple Mash! Here is a photo taken yesterday when I had a safely distanced picnic in the park. I felt so HAPPY yesterday - I was very grateful for the lovely green space, reconnecting with my best friend (2M of course) and the weather. I took a walk down the canal too which glistened in the beautiful sun. It was timed perfectly ( I still don't know how I managed to jump that high!) |
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Today I am trying something a bit different by uploading a video!
I must admit I was a little bit shy at first filming myself because I felt a bit silly but I would really like to share a book I have at home with you.
The book is called' How Are You Feeling Today'. This book is filled with fun, imaginative ways to help you understand and cope with your emotions! It also helps to boost your emotional literacy ( being able to explain and name your feelings).
I must admit I was a little bit shy at first filming myself because I felt a bit silly but I would really like to share a book I have at home with you.
The book is called' How Are You Feeling Today'. This book is filled with fun, imaginative ways to help you understand and cope with your emotions! It also helps to boost your emotional literacy ( being able to explain and name your feelings).
Intro to the book.
Whoops! Book is the wrong way around for the first part! Soz!
First feeling of the week.... HAPPY!!
So next time you feel the feeling of happiness think about all of the different ways you can manage it and enjoy it!
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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.
| kindness-to-yourself-challenge.pdf |
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!
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!
Last not but least we received a wonderful message from Amal!  |  |
| 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! |
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 :)
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 :)
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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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 :)
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
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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!
Have a look at the tasks below!
Place 2Be Kindness Cup!
Olivia has nominated Ruth for taking care of Year 4!
Salma has nominated Aman and his mum for their lovely act of kindess!
