Day: August 10, 2020

As we enjoy the long, warm days of summer, there has never been a better time to get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air.  Getting a chance to explore nature is not only a brilliant opportunity teaching children to get comfortable with the world around them, but spending time in nature has been proven to have significant emotional and psychological benefits for children and young people.

• They can express themselves

The increased space means that children outside have the freedom to move, run, jump, climb and explore to their heart’s content – not to mention making as much noise as they please! Not only is this great exercise, but it can also help children to work off any excess energy they may have. If left unchecked, this has a tendency to emerge as irritability or anxiety.

In having the freedom to yell, sing, roll and play, children are able to truly let their imaginations run wild, and this can lead to some fascinating self-reflection and discovery. They may reveal facts and ideas which surprise you, and take the chance to try out new roles and challenges.

• They learn empathy

Helping your child learn to care for the natural world is crucial for building empathy and understanding. Children will understand their place in the bigger picture, and see themselves as part of a holistic system, which we all need to care for. From making sure litter is collected to planting a seed, watching a tree grow to raising a brood of tadpoles, spending time in nature allows children to develop respect and empathy for the world around them – qualities which will follow them into adulthood and beyond.

• They can focus on the details

As well as having plenty of space to run and yell, the natural world can also be invaluable at encouraging children to slow down and take in the details. Encourage them to spend time watching a ladybird crawl across her leaf, or a bird making her way to and from the nest. Take time to really sit and explore a single leaf, experimenting with colours and textures, or watch the sunlight move across the surface of a water. This can be perfect for helping children to relax, and to practice mindfulness in their everyday lives.

• They can ask questions

The natural world is full of wonders – perfect for an inquisitive and developing mind! Encourage your child to explore the world around them, question the things they don’t know, and learn how to conduct their own research, experiments and investigations. Over time, a questioning, curious mindset will become second nature, and this is a crucial skill which will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Painting and art are great ways to boost your child’s imagination, and allow them to have fun and explore their creativity – and you don’t have to break the bank to help them do it! The bubble painting game is the perfect way to have a lot of fun, make a little mess, and allow your child’s imagination to really run wild.

What Will You Need

To create your first bubble picture, you will need the following:

• A bubble mixture – you can use a commercial mix from the shop, or make your own with washing up liquid mixed with a splash of water.
• Food colouring – the brighter the better!
• Bubble wands – you could also use straws, a sieve or a strainer with small holes
• A few small cups or pots to dip your wand or straw into and hold the ‘paint’ – you will need one for each colour
• Some plain scrap paper – try different colours!

What Do You Do

• If you are not using a pre-mixed bubble solution, start by squeezing some washing up liquid into a bowl, and adding just a drop of water. Increase the water until you have the bubbles you want.
• Once the bubble solution is ready to go, tip a little into several pots – one for each colour you plan to use.
• Add a few drops of food colouring to each pot, and mix so that your bubbles are bright and colourful!
• Place some paper on the surface you are working on
• Dip your wand or instrument into the pot, and blow gently onto the paper – the holes of the wand will create stunning bubble shapes!
• Repeat as desired until you have the pattern you want!

Alternative

• For an alternative challenge, you can take smaller strips of paper and place them directly over the bubbles themselves – this will introduce new shapes, textures and patterns to explore!

This is a great activity for really allowing your child to be creative and have fun, and can also be a useful tool to learn about colours, textures and shapes.  You can also help your child to be more independent, depending on their age, by asking for their help in setting up and clearing away the activity.

SEN Adaptation

If your child has additional needs, they can also get used to working with paints and having fun with colour without too much mess. The bubbles also create a fun way for them to explore textures and surfaces in a fun, stress-free way!

As you have no doubt heard, a debate has been raging up and down the country, and it centres on face coverings.

Getting children used to the idea of face covering can be a challenge, especially if your child is anxious or has additional needs and requirements. To help, we have put together some top tips for making the chance easier, and helping to reduce anxiety and fear around face coverings.

As a note, it is important to state that there are exemptions to the rules, and you should check the Government guidance to see if this is applicable. If your child is unable to wear a mask, would suffer distress as a result of wearing one, or has breathing problems or other conditions, they may not be required to cover their face. Always check the most up-to-date advice to be totally clued up. Children under the age of three should not wear a face covering, and the rule is not mandatory for those under eleven.

To help your child make the transition, why not try one of the following tips?

• Let them choose their patterns

With so much choice around, your child can have total control over the colour, pattern and design of their covering, and this can really help to reduce anxiety. It offers a choice, and can make the experience less regimented and frightening for some children.

• Give them a chance to practice

It is best to try out a new face covering in a familiar, relaxed environment – not when you are trying to dash around the supermarket. Make sure that your child has a chance to practice putting on their covering, and that they have a chance to get used to the feeling. Some children may feel panicky or anxious, so it can be helpful to try and build up their tolerance over time. Do remember that some children, however, simply will not be able to tolerate having their face covered, and this is accepted within the official advice.

• Lead by example

Our children imitate a huge amount of behaviour from parents or carers, and so modelling positive behaviour is important. If you make the covering a big, scary deal, your child will follow your example. By keeping things calm, casual and easy, you will reduce anxiety, and help your child feel more secure and in control.

• Teach them how it helps

The basic premise behind wearing a face covering is to help protect those around you, and understanding this can increase a chikds willingness to try. Depending on their age, it can be helpful for them to understand, in an age appropriate way, why people are wearing coverings, and how they can do their part to help.

• Be kind

Always remember that the rules for children are slightly different, and you may have to weigh up the distress caused by a covering against the potential benefits – especially if your child has autism or other sensory issues. Make sure that they know it is ok if they simply cannot tolerate it, and that there are plenty of other ways they can stay safe, and protect their loved ones, such as washing their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

This can also be a great opportunity to practice empathy, and help your child to understand hidden disabilities and illnesses. You can help them to be understanding of those around them, and to understand that we all have our own challenges and individual circumstances. Some of the people they see will not be wearing masks, and this can be a valuable teaching moment to help children to develop tolerance, respect and an understanding of individual circumstances.