Diverse Learning Team News
Wellbeing – hope and resilience
This week you and your children may have experienced a sense of disappointment at lockdown being extended especially with the school holidays approaching. It is important to validate our feelings but to also give a sense of hope and to share what we can learn from this experience. By finding hope and praising our efforts to cope with challenging situations, we can support our children to see the positives, build resilience and gain a sense of control over the challenges. You should take time to positively reflect on the time you’ve had together, the opportunities to try something new or the time to slow down.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back after difficulties or upsetting situations. Remote learning has disrupted routines, connections and schooling, however there are lessons that can be learnt from this also. Resilience can be built through having tools to use to solve problems and to face challenges. Children tend to pick up on the anxieties and stress of the adults around them. Modelling positivity and demonstrating ways of facing challenges is a great way to support our children to build their tool set. Studies have shown that what our children are missing the most are their friends and their sense of connection. It is very important to maintain social connections with family and friends, even if it is a quick phone call.
With the school holidays approaching instead of planning holidays interstate or overseas, booking in play dates, organising day trips or visits to family and friends, many of us are likely working from home. School holidays may feel like more of the same, and many parents are burned out from trying to work while managing remote learning. This article is written by an education researcher with an interest in how to combine creativity with educational experiences for children. It may have some ideas to jazz up holidays at home.
The following article has 6 great tips on supporting the wellbeing of the whole family including going for a walk, practicing mindful breathing and taking time to read.
Additionally, the Queensland Education Department has a great booklet with a range of simple fun activities, for students, for improving wellbeing through mindfulness, gratitude, physical activities and self-care.
https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/learningfromhome/wellbeing-activities-booklet.pdf
The Emerging Minds website has several resources to help with communicating about Covid including short 3 minute videos.
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/communicating-with-your-child-about-covid-19/
If you would like further assistance, please contact our Student Welfare Officer Christina Page or our Diverse Learning Coordinator Karen Garrity.
