Dear parents,
You might be inclined to create a minute by minute schedule for your kids. But here’s the thing….
Our kids are just as scared as you right now. Our kids not only can hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before. Although the idea of being off school sounds awesome, they are probably picturing a fun time like the summer holidays, not the reality of being trapped at home and not seeing their friends.
Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behaviour issues with your kids. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behaviour in the coming weeks. This is the normal and expected under these circumstances.
What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be okay. And that might mean that you tear up that perfect schedule and love on your children a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find a virtual field trips of the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family.Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.
Don’t worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in the same position and they will all be okay. When we are back in the classroom, we will all get things back on track and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don’t pick fights with your children because they don’t want to do maths. Don’t scream at your kids for not following your schedule. Don’t mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it.
If you can leave with one thing, it’s this: at the end of it all, your children’s mental health will be more important than their academic skills. How they feel during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they do during this time. So keep that in mind every single day.
We are including in this pack some maths, literacy and health and well-being activities but we must stress there is NO obligation to complete these activities, they are simply put in to help you, should you find your children need to complete something more concrete and academic based. There are also active games and activities included but I’m sure you as parents and carers will have many more ideas of your own.
We will not be strangers during this time and will always be available and contactable through GLOW and other means. (Login’s have been included in the pack) On here the children can post the things they are doing or get in contact with the teachers. Active learn details will also be included: books and numeracy activities will be available on this. There is also an additional list of websites and FUN activities that you can enjoy if you choose.
Your continued support is valued and always appreciated. If you have any more questions or queries that ungently need answered please feel free to contact us through GLOW and we will do our upmost to help you.
The P2 Team
