During these difficult times, we want to offer as much support to the families in our community as possible. We have been amazed so far this term by the children’s resilience on their return to school, and very proud of how our community has dealt with the challenges presented by COVID.
Much has been written and said about the impact of COVID on mental health, and we want to work with you to mitigate those impacts on the children we teach as much as possible. One very effective way can be sharing stories with a mental health theme, which allow us to open up difficult conversations with our children and have discussions about how they can deal with worries. This is something we will be doing in school also, as we know some children are anxious about things they see and hear about COVID (as well as other concerns). We hope it will offer opportunities for children to explore coping strategies and to understand that they can find support if they need it.
Below are links to lists of books with themes linked to mental health and well-being – many of the picture books can be found on YouTube as well as bought.
https://reading-well.org.uk/children
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/m/mental-health-awareness/
https://www.booksfortopics.com/mental-health
This link to the NSPCC website also contains a wealth of resources and advice around COVID and children.
As ever, if you have any concerns about your child or would like further support and advice, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact the school office.
Article 12: you have the right to an opinion and to be listened to.
Article 13: You have the right to find out things and share what you think with others, by talking, drawing, writing or in any other way unless it harms or offends other people.
Article 17: You have the right to get information that is important to your well-being, from radio, newspaper, books, computers and other sources. Adults should make sure that the information you are getting is not harmful, and help you find and understand the information you need.
Article 19: You have the right to be protected from harm.