Author: Mr Roundtree

Mr Owen welcomed quite a lot of parents to the two workshops he ran on Monday (one at 2.30pm, one at 6.00pm). Once again, the feedback was really positive – parents who came appreciated the information and Mr Owen’s relaxing, friendly and clear delivery style. One parent summed up the session well by describing it as ‘really informative with useful handouts and great delivery’ and went on to conclude, ‘Pleased Moortown offer these workshops for parents.’

Other comments include:

• ‘Convinced by the concept – I now understand it. Really stimulating.’
• ‘Mr Owen is very passionate about his job and very good at ensuring parents understand concepts.’
• ‘Great explanation of the teaching that is happening in school. Really helpful to see how you are supporting children in this way so that we can do this at home, too.’

I’m really pleased to read so many comments such as the last one – these workshops are intended to help you support your child at home.

Our current SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) has as its theme the 8 Rs for Learning, one of which is responding. This ‘R’ is around developing children’s ability to respond constructively and positively towards feedback about their learning. Similarly, responding constructively and positively is something we must do following events which feature from time to time in the news, such as the attacks in Paris on Friday. Children can’t avoid being aware of news stories such as this, and it’s important to support children appropriately. This website post is intended to help you support your child at home.

The terrible events in Paris on Friday highlights the very unsettled world in which we live. Deaths, explosions and violence are seen on 24-hour television, web and newspapers and children are often totally exposed to this media, often with no explanation. Some of our pupils may have visited Paris, played on a Tunisian beach or flown on a plane out of Sharm el-Sheikh. We don’t know what effect hearing about these events has on children, but we need to be sensitive to their needs, questions, concerns and fears.

There is very little information on the internet offering advice to help children understand terrorist events. Much of the information comes from America and dates from September 11 2001, or offers support after a school shooting. Below is some of the available material – do check them out before using them with your child.

• Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times (Somerset County Council, 2010)
• Parent’s Guide to Talking to Their Children about War (City of New York)
• Tips for Parents on Media Coverage (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, USA)
• Talking to Children about Terrorism and War (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)

Books to help children explore world issues

After the Charlie Hebdo attack in January 2015, author Sita Brahmachari wrote in The Guardian about why it’s more important than ever to write stories for children that explore our differences and common humanity. The article includes a diverse list of contemporary authors whose books have helped children and young people understand and empathise with some of the most complicated situations faced in the world today. Download the list of books.

With lots of media attention on serious risks to children, it’s sometimes easy to forget the more traditional messages. With the dark nights now upon us, it’s worth (re)emphasising with your child the Be Safe – Be Seen message.

Cardiff Council’s Road Safety team have a great page on their website which also includes a number of other links and resources. There’s also a government site with some games.

Learning Workshops, led by teachers in school, are organised to help you support your child at home.

Two different Learning Workshops took place yesterday. One was intended for Reception and Year 1 parents and it focused on phonics and simple number facts:

• “Well explained in terms of the current methods in phonics and Maths teaching. Teachers were open to questions. Thanks – much appreciated.”
• “Good overview of early learning concepts and teaching methods. A useful workshop – thank you.”
• From a parent with older children at school: “Always nice to have a refresher workshop as many things – about phonics especially – come back to me which I’d forgotten.”

The second workshop, at 6.00pm, was all about grammar and writing:

• “Great to go through all the grammar – it’s years since I was at school so a brilliant overview!”
• “Very helpful ideas to assist my reluctant writer at home.”
• “Thanks for the grammar web links.”
• “Very clear and practical presentation of the subject. Helpful tips. Mr Owen made it simple and funny.”

Thank you to the parents who attended.

Forthcoming workshops and other ways to support your child at home are in the calendar (look for the events in blue) and listed below:

• What is ‘mastery’? workshop – Monday 16 November, 2.30pm and 6.00pm
• Reception phonics teaching – 18 / 19 / 20 November
• Maths workshop – Monday 23 November, 6.00pm
• Homework open afternoon – Wednesday 02 December (only suitable for Y1 – Y6)
• Open morning – Tuesday 08 December
• Reception phonics teaching – 20 / 21 / 22 January
• Open morning – Wednesday 27 January
• Topic open afternoon – Thursday 17 March
• Reception phonics teaching – 27 / 28 / 29 April