Stanmore Post - 29 January 2021
Dear Parents,
Reading is one of the few leisure activities still available to us during lockdown. Turning this into a positive opportunity to develop good reading habits could prove to be helpful in the future. We know that reading matters to children’s language development along with improving their chances at academic success. Sometimes we forget that reading also has the tremendous power to offer us pleasure and comfort in what are immensely challenging times. Now just isn’t the time to be too anxious about what your child is reading. Reading instructions, recipes, and even old baby books, are all valuable. Please don’t worry about the level or perceived challenge of a book when your child is reading for pleasure. Talking about the book is still a valuable activity. Your child may wish to return to their favourite stories, given the likely emotional benefits during this tricky time. Indeed, in such uncertain times, children may gain comfort from reading a book they enjoyed as a very young child. If you are not sure what to encourage your child to read we have suggested a list of 30 books that they should read before they leave Stanmore. You may already be aware of a fantastic website that can provide ideas - https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
Children are continuing to achieve well in our Spring Term ‘Blended Learning’ Curriculum. We are seeing increasing numbers of children participating in all remote lessons and tasks. In RE this week Mrs Fenton and I were really impressed with the children’s responses and high level questions on the subject of creation. I recognise that sustaining children’s interest virtually is demanding, requiring considerable parental support and patience, but no effort is wasted. In addition to the maths and English tasks we have received videos of creative projects including: music making, how to plants a seed and re-telling stories. Children eligible to attend school are also engaging well and showing good learning behaviour. It is very encouraging to see the hard work invested in developing the Keys for Success: persistence, resilience, organisation, confidence, co-operation and respect reflected back through positive learning behaviours. We know this because the children are continuing to adapt so well to their constantly changing experience, however difficult that may seem at times.
If you haven’t done so already have a look at this routine checklist.
If you can’t find a space for your child to work, or you are struggling with technology, including internet connection or having enough devices to work on, then we may be able to help you. Please contact the school office.
We enjoy hearing about how well children are doing. We now know that restricted attendance is likely to continue for a few more weeks. The Government have indicated that the earliest that school’s will begin to reopen is Monday 8th March. As soon as we have a confirmed date and plan for this we will communicate with you through emails and text. If you have a suggestion for our ongoing improvement to our blended learning over the coming weeks please email Mrs Taylor via the admin office. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Best wishes,
Sharon Taylor