Welcome to the Katie Jayne Tutors Junior Blog Issue Number 16.
What a cracking first two weeks back to school – Well done mums and dads, carers and grandparents for managing to get back into the school run with grace and humour and a huge well done to all of you for getting through a very tiring return to school.
We have had a number of you mention that you have found it difficult not to hug your friends after not having seen them for so many months and how you wanted to give them a friendly slap on the back or handshake. We agree that it has been so difficult to keep your distance and stop yourself from being tactile. You may have noticed that our main feature photograph is of two Macacque monkeys cuddling up to each other. We thought this would be a good reminder that there will be a day when the dust has settled, when we shall all be able to return to our normal social behaviours….. but don’t worry, in the meantime, you can take advantage of your family members by giving them a hug at every opportunity.
Here in the Katie Jayne office, we enjoy nothing more than a cuddle with Clawdia Winklecat and Monkey. In fact they absolutely thrive on extra cuddles. We have included a few photographs of you with your pets. Thank you for sending in these wonderful shots.
Enjoy this week’s blog and just a reminder that it is Hygiene Poverty Week, take a look at our article below.
See you next time.
Sam
National Hygiene Week
Feeling clean is something that all children should be entitled to. It is so important that in today’s world we can all do something to affect social changes.
Poverty can mean that some families have to choose between things that we take for granted, like heating our houses, eating good food and having access to good washing facilities. Not being able to keep clean can lead to children suffering from negative impacts on their health and well-being, even affecting their development.
Learning about this in schools is important as it provides awareness, giving communities the chance to make change happen.
To find out more email National Hygiene Week.
Benefits of Pets
There are some great benefits to having a pet in your family.
Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to your self-esteem and self-confidence.
Having a positive relationship with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others.
A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy.
Pet Ownership
Pet ownership can encourage language and communication skills. I don’t know about you, but I talk to my cat Monkey. It has been shown in some studies that children confide their feelings by telling their pet things that they don’t want to tell an adult. Pets encourage children to show affection and give commands. We have often seen pets being incorporated into games and imaginary play.
Katie Jayne’s Interesting Facts
Our feline friends do have a tendency to stare at us. Experts believe that there are a number of reasons that our little fluffy friends watch us. The most important reason is of course that your cat is hungry. Once they have decided that it is time for dinner, nothing will stand in their way. Cats also tend to gaze longingly at you, softly blinking…. this is a true sign of affection. It is the pussy cat equivalent to telling someone that you love and trust them.
Thought For The Week
Watch your cat or dog and take note of some of their body language. Then look up exactly what this means to them. This will really help you to understand the needs of your pet.
Cook’s Corner
Rice Krispie Marshmallows
Ingredients
75g butter
1 1/2 packets Marshmallows
6 cups of Rice Krispies
Method
Butter a pan and line with baking paper.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over a gentle heat.
Add marshmallows and cook, stirring constantly, until marshmallows have melted.
Add Rice Krispies and stir quickly to combine.
Tip bubble mixture into the prepared tin and press down using the back of a clean spoon. Once cool, cut into slices or bars.
Heaven!!!
Outdoor Delights
We love this idea!
I cannot claim to have thought of this idea all by myself, it was my oldest and dearest friend from primary school. It was her son’s birthday and due to lockdown and the government restrictions the family could not hold a normal birthday gathering, so all of the family and friends were invited to take part in a birthday drive by. Everyone joined a convoy and drove slowly past the house with the birthday boy grinning happily standing on his doorstep. Children would place gifts on the front-drive with lots of cheers and whoops, some had even decorated their cars with balloons.
What a lovely way to get out and make someone feel really special on their birthday.
Educational Activities
Storytime Science
Learn all about the Moon with this twenty-minute video. We think you will love it!
Maths with Monsters
Ask your parents if you can try this 30-day free trial to have a go at counting, subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division with Adapted Mind.
Artists
Find out about famous artist Lowry, in this two-minute film.
English KS1
What is a noun?
