Welcome to our Footsteps page where you can find support if you are feeling anxious or worried,
Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
If you are Worried about coming back to school
TRC Back to School Social Story PDF
Allen the Alien has made a short video clip for pupils who are worried/anxious about coming back to school
Allen the Alien video on why people could be wearing masks at school
Once again Mrs Shakell has created a wonderful video of the story “The Colour Monster”. Sit back and enjoy.
Mrs Shakell has recorded herself reading a story with Teddy. Please watch and enjoy.
An ELSA in a school is an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant.
ELSA is a programme which is available to Teaching Assistants in schools. Examples of things covered on the course are social skills, emotions, bereavement, social stories and therapeutic stories, anger management, self-esteem, counselling skills such as solution focus and friendship. Mrs H. Shakell is ELSA Trained and is often seen in the Footsteps room offering support on above matters.
Link here for free resources to support ELSA activities for you child
Seasons For Growth
Seasons for Growth is a programme for children, young people or adults who have experienced significant change or loss. It’s based on the belief that change, loss and grief are a normal and valuable part of life.
Mrs Shakell has created a wonderful video with George reading story “Worries are like clouds” . Please watch and enjoy and if you are experiencing loss at this time, please remember we are all think about you and missing you too.
Nursery World – Treasure Baskets
If your baby is in a nursery or goes to a childminder, you may one day find them sitting next to a low basket filled with household items and some odds and ends. You may also spot that the adults are not chatting to your child, but sitting and watching. If you were to enquire what was happening, you might well be told that treasure basket play is under way. So, what is treasure basket play and how might it help your baby?
A good starting point is to understand that for centuries, babies and young children were not given toys to play with. The best they could hope for were things that were lying on the floor or household objects that might have been passed to them. The only constant is that the objects themselves should be either natural objects or items made from natural materials, which seem to give babies more sensory feedback than plastic items and so are of more interest to them. There should also be sufficient items for babies to be able to explore a range of different shapes, sizes and textures.
Link to Nursery World – Treasure Baskets
Young Minds – 20 activities for 20 minutes
Need some inspiration? Here’s a list of activities you could do in twenty minutes with your child.
Talking to your child about how they’re feeling can be hard. By taking 20 minutes with them to do an activity you’ll both enjoy, you’ll create a relaxed space to start that conversation.
Here are some ideas of #Take20 activities that you could do in 20 minutes.