Our Stars of the Week this week are:
| Nursery | Daya |
| Reception | Cameron |
| J1G | Alexander |
| J1H | Nieve |
| J2H | Jessie |
| J3S | Lizzie |
| J3V | Thomas |
| J4B | Jay |
| J4W | Lucas |
| J5L | Lily |
| J5R | Merryn |
| J6H | Theo |
| J6V | Max |
Congratulations to them all!
Reception has been exploring the topic of birds, linking into the RSPB's 'Big Garden Birdwatch' which took place last weekend, Friday 29 to Sunday 31 January. The children had a wonderful week of bird-themed live lessons and enjoyed lots of exciting associated activities.
In their 'Understanding the World' lessons, the children investigated how important it is to feed garden birds in the winter, they went on to make a fantastic array of bird feeders for their gardens and then undertook their own 'Birdwatch', recording the results on a checklist. They were all super spotters with the children identifying Blue Tits, Finches, Robins, Sparrows and Blackbirds to name but a few.
In English the children carefully labelled Robins, enjoyed writing about their favourite birds and learned and performed a bird poem with actions en masse in a live lesson which was no mean feat! Having signed up to the RSPB's Birdwatch, the class also looked at a range of bird information cards together, expanding their knowledge further.
Their Art lessons saw some incredible creations with great artwork made from paper plates – including a particularly stunning Parakeet.
Mrs Convey was very impressed by her class and said, "The children embraced all the activities and challenges wholeheartedly. I was really thrilled with their enthusiasm for the wildlife on their doorsteps!"
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It has been Children’s Mental Health Week and at Crackley Hall we have been exploring why looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, especially in the current lockdown.
Organised by the charity Place2Be with the theme ‘Express Yourself’, this year’s event has focused on finding ways to share feelings, thoughts and ideas - that may be through art, music or writing or through taking part in drama, sport or dance or even just getting outside. What matters is taking positive action to manage the anxieties and stresses of life and recognising that effective support from an early stage not only helps children and young people cope with challenging circumstances, but can also prevent problems from escalating and becoming more serious in adolescence and adulthood.
There has been lots going on across the school, with activities in lessons, form time, dress to express yourself Friday and much more. The children have really embraced the theme, as have the teachers, and it has been wonderful to see them taking part.
At the beginning of the week Mrs Glen-Roots introduced the initiative in her Candlemas assembly, reminding us that we can bring light and hope to our family and friends. She explained what mental health means and gave a wonderful introduction to the week and challenged the children to take part in the Squiggle Game – a way to use your doodles to express yourself.
Lessons have given plenty of opportunity for children to express themselves with lots of amazing art, super stories and perfect poetry. In form time and PHSE there has been plenty of healthy debate about what makes us happy and how that can help improve your mood and nurture your well-being. With pupils encouraged to identify their passions and all the different things that make them smile and learning that it is not about being the best but rather about doing what you enjoy. They have even learned to encourage each other to find ways to get creative and express yourself.
Dress to Express Friday was a great way to finish Children’s Mental Health Week. It was a lot of fun for everyone, with Mrs Burley and Mr Stedeford going the extra mile!
With schools still in lockdown and the continuing uncertainty, children’s mental health has never been more important, and learning how to feel good about yourself has been an essential lesson for us all.
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These books have been specially chosen to help children stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful. They can be downloaded for free or you can borrow them from your local library.
Mathletes of the week for Mrs Hardwick's class are Aaryan and Will
Mathlete of the week for Mrs Glen-Roots's class is Francesca
Mathlete of the week for Mrs Holmes's class is Daiya
Mathlete of the week for Mr Stedeford's group is Ding
Mathletes of the week for Mrs VanZyl's group are Adreena and Darcey
Mathlete of the week for Mrs Wildey's class is Lexi
Mathletes of the week for Mrs Burley's group are Charlie and Evie
Mathlete of the week for Mrs Roberts's group is Alfred
Mathlete of the week for Mrs Lammas's group is George
Well done all!
Dear Parents
As we look ahead to the half-term holiday I am sure both you and your children will be looking forward to a break from online learning. We are also conscious that whilst it is cold and dark keeping children purposefully occupied throughout the week can be difficult.
We know that our children thrive on being busy and occupied. With this in mind we have arranged for all pupils to have complimentary access, should they wish, to an academic Half-term Camp that is being hosted online by RocketLearn.
Put together by two former Independent Prep School Heads, the camp is free for pupils who sign up using our unique school code CRACKLEYHALFTERM. If you sign up your child will be able to access live lessons each day in Maths and English, together with an afternoon activity session. The English will focus on Mindfulness and diary writing, a topic we feel could be very useful in the current climate. Each child will also have a workbook in which they can complete their Maths and English.
Prizes and certificates will be awarded.
If you would like to sign up or read more about it please click here. There are three different Maths levels; Bronze (aimed at yrs 3-4) Silver (yrs 5-6)and Gold (yrs 7-8) children are welcome to try as many levels as they wish.
If you would like to reserve your FREE place please register here using code CRACKLEYHALFTERM when prompted.
With all best wishes
Alicia Coad (Rocket Learn)
From Monday 1 to Sunday 7 February 2021, was Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme has been Express Yourself. Place2Be has created activities and resources to help children (and adults) explore the different ways that they can share their thoughts, feelings and ideas.
There are lots of resources on the Children’s Mental Health Week website that you can use with your child at home; including activity ideas, tips for parents and carers, and an online assembly.
Visit www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk to find out more.
This week Dan has been cooking lentil dhal with homemade flatbreads, as well as orange drizzle cake, both from the Home School Bistro with a helping hand from his daughters.
All put together on a step by step basis for pupils and parents to watch and cook along!
The Stratford Literary Festival have an annual Young Poets Competition for local children. Please click on the link below for more details:
Please follow the link below to the Raring2go! Winter Digital Edition:
Please follow the link below for a digital copy of Families Warwickshire Magazine.
