Wellbeing for All

Where possible teachers should make every effort to provide an opportunity to check-in with students each day. The nature of the daily check-in will be different in each setting. It may take the form of a daily video conference with students, a phone call to students without technology, written communication with students' families on your school LMS, or checking in with students who are attending on-site.

It is important to help children and young people find ways to express and communicate their emotions appropriately and in safe and nurturing environments. As with adults, children and young people respond uniquely in times of stress and upheaval and the responses may change often. It is therefore important to create multiple opportunities for them to express and communicate their emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

These could include:

• linking discussions to approaches already implemented at your child's school, such as RULER, Peaceful Kids, and School Wide Positive Behaviour Support.

• having conversations when you are already engaged in another task eg, doing the dishes, hanging out washing , gardening, cooking. This enables your child to chat side by side with you rather than creating an "interrogation" situation.

• Practicing breathing and meditation together.

Student wellbeing is supported when carers listen, create a climate that allows for open discussion, show empathy and respond appropriately to concerns raised. Remember to "keep it simple", try not to allow your anxieties to fuel the emotions of those in your care.

In times of heightened stress, it is imperative for all concerned to increase their physical activity. Not only does this increase feelings of wellbeing but also allows time away from screens and seats.

These could include:

• Helping with jobs around the house, gardening and washing

• PE with Joe (see link)

• Yoga (Cosmic Kids' Yoga, Namaste Yoga)

• Walking around the neighbourhood

• Building something outside together

Enjoy this time with your children and do the activities with them. It will improve your wellbeing as much as theirs.

As humans, we are social beings and need contact with others to a greater or lesser degree. While you are home with your family acknowledge that the current close social contact can have both negative and positive aspects. It is, therefore, very important for you and your children to have time together, time alone and virtual time with others if possible.

Possible activities

• During a walk around the neighbourhood, wave to neighbours or check on elderly neighbours (from a distance).

• Connecting with family members and friends outside of the home via Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc. Be aware that you may need to limit this time and monitor the interactions to avoid misinformation, inappropriate conversations or too much screen time.

• Playing board games and modelling good sportsmanship and communication.

• Having a family getting to know you quiz, you may be surprised at what you learn about one another.