Returning to School after Summer Holidays

Today was the first day back to school for most government run schools in Australia. While all states might not align exactly, and some private schools might not begin till next week, many went back today. For readers in the northern hemisphere, this is the tail end of summer for us.

As teachers and parents, how do we handle the first day back after Summer break?

Obviously teachers, School Heads and parents will have different perspectives on the first day. It's different for parents of 5 year olds going to school with uniforms a little big for their children as usual, new shoes, and a back pack almost too large for them to carry on their backs. And different again for the 15 year olds, who while perhaps wishing holidays hadn't ended (N.B. In Australia we have just 6 weeks). But some older students will be keen to reconnect with their friends. Many will also be nervous about the teachers they will receive, and teachers will be hoping for good students. So on day one, there are many different moods and expectations.

Some teachers will have two days worth of work for students and expect it done on the first day. And there will be a first day Assembly where the principal might present an upbeat speech. You know, "How good it is to be back etc". Other teachers might just warn them that the work will be harder, so they need to get stuck into it and make their parents and the school proud.

Oh dear, I'm having flashbacks to my life as both a teacher and a student. But how might we settle everyone down a little?

 

How to make week on just a little easier for all?

Rather than increasing student and parent anxiety, let's try to reduce it. 

a) Start positively

Hopefully, you can share that you had a good break and that it's good to see them back. Try to avoid hiding your doubts behind comments like "I'm looking forward to a challenging year". Perhaps share the things you're looking forward to (NO not weekends), like "seeing them grow", "getting to know new students", encouraging them to "participate in many things outside the classroom lessons" and so on.

b) Don't over-burden them on day 1

Perhaps allow time to share some of the good things they did in the holidays. In primary (i.e. elementary schools in the US and some other nations) you might plan the whole first day around the holidays. This could include, sharing stories, great things they did, and any challenges (e.g. a broken leg). Some art, poetry and so on.

In secondary schools every subject teacher can't simply repeat the above. You will need to take a different tack. But I'd suggest allowing time for some sharing of holiday highlights. Don't ask everyone to answer the same questions, that would be boring. Maybe, vary the questions:

What was your highlight of the summer holidays?

• Did anyone go somewhere special?
• Read any good books? 
• Get to any movies or theatre?
• Sporting events?

And then maybe shift to broad questions about school:

• What are you looking forward to this year?
• Are there things you want to do better?
• What will be your greatest challenge
  

I hope the year starts well for our children, parents and teachers. Good luck for the first week, as teachers and parents prepare for the months ahead.

A Review of the Brilliant Work of Two New Writers

I have reviewed Nigel Osgood's work previously on my blog (See HERE). Last time I reviewed his wonderful book ''Bedtime for Ella: A Giggly Furbottom Adventure'. 

He has a number of books in the pipeline that will be published this year. In this post, I want to focus on two released recently. Nigel is not only a writer, he is also a very talented creator of videos that parallel his stories. You can view this wonderful video he produced for 'Bedtime for Ella' HERE. In this issue, I will review his recent books in the 'Giggly Furbottom' adventures, as well as books from another 'new' author.

1. 'Ella and the Magic of Seven' A Giggly Furbottom Adventure

In this second book of 'Giggly Furbottom' adventures, Ella is about to turn 7, and hasn't seen her very special friend Giggly Furbottom recently. She has been missing her friend and hopes he might just remember her on her 7th birthday. One night after she has gone to bed, she whispers and bids him to appear. Suddenly there is a noise in her wardrobe and... you guessed it, Giggly has come!

Now this will be no ordinary birthday, for they are about to "Soar through the sky, and explore enchanted gardens and underwater palaces". These adventures open up many fantastic creatures to meet. 

Children rich in imagination love to explore and create unknown worlds, where one might just find "fairies, pixies, and even a talking fox!" The book celebrates the power of friendship, kindness and the extraordinary.

This special story will take readers and listeners on amazing adventures that will stimulate their imaginations, lead them to question the unknown, and consider the perennial question 'what if...'? 

Giggly and Ella soar off through the sky on a very special adventure. Underlying the story is a celebration of the power of friendship, kindness, and believing in the extraordinary.

2. 'Ella's Forest of Letters: A Giggly Furbottom Adventure'

Ella has some school work to complete, but she is distracted and wished her lovable monster friend Giggly Furbottom was there to help her learn the pesky alphabet. So, get ready for a magical journey through the alphabet! Our adventurous pair explore a whimsical forest filled with fascinating creatures like butterflies, eagles, and hedgehogs. 

And of course yummy Apples are the first surprise (get away worm), a beautiful Butterfly, fluffy Clouds, Dragonflys and much more, until it all ends with a lot of Zzzzzs.

The book includes engaging rhymes and vivid imagery, that will capture the imagination of children aged 4 to 7 years. "Ella's Forest of Letters" is the perfect bedtime story to help young children learn their ABCs, and at the same time, embark on a magical learning adventure! 

Why share this book with children? The author suggests that as well as being an engaging story, it will offer tangible benefits as we develop our young children as readers. Here are his seven benefits:

a) It will help to teach the alphabet. It does this by introducing every letter of the alphabet in a fun and engaging way, connecting them to animals and concepts that will help to improve reading skills.

b) Inspiring creativity and imagination. The forest backdrop and the endearing monster character, encourage children to unleash their creativity and imagination.

c) Fostering friendships and companionship. The bond between Ella and Giggly Furbottom highlights the importance of friendship, and teaching children lessons through acts of kindness.

d) Providing comfort and security. The narrative sets a tone ideal for bedtime, helping children feel secure and at ease, as they prepare to rest for the night.

e) Cultivating an attitude towards learning. By turning alphabet-learning into an adventure, the story instills a positive outlook on education.

f) Improving language skills. Through rhymes and captivating storytelling, children are exposed to vocabulary and language structures that support their language development.

g) Enriching cultural awareness. By incorporating animals and concepts tied to each alphabet letter, children are introduced to references that expand their knowledge of the world, around them.

3. 'The Mumbai Street Siblings: Amit's Sweet Surprise' by Karina Vunnam

This is book one of a series of books about 'The Mumbai Street Siblings'. I wasn't aware of Karina's work until recently. I love to review new writers and so am grateful that Karina reached out to me.

Anyone who has been to Mumbai, or perhaps has simply visited Indian markets in other countries where Indian immigrants have settled, will know how wonderful Indian street food events are. As Karina suggests, you can simply "follow your nose" as you walk through such exciting markets. 

This is the story of three siblings who have made their home among the bustling markets of Mumbai, India's largest city. The curiosity of the children leads to a series of events. It begins when four year old Amit catches the sweet aroma of Jalebi for the first time. His curiosity leads to a chain of events.                                                                          

With twelve-year-old Anita's wisdom and six-year-old Sunita's enthusiasm, the siblings discover that determination, creativity, and teamwork can turn even the simplest dreams into reality.'

Children will have an introduction to life in Mumbai, including it's food, culture, the richness of family, human resilience and also the art, customs and life in India. The book offers:

• An authentic insight into daily life in Mumbai
• Rich descriptions of Indian culture and street food
• Positive messages about family bonds and resilience
• An introduction to Hindi words and Indian customs
• Engaging artwork that brings Mumbai's vibrant atmosphere to life

The book is suitable for readers aged 4-8 years.