This week’s message is a short one. It starts with a particularly important point…
Staying safe
Did you read this news story this week? We were so sad when we read it.
We’ve a long list of online safety tips but three simple ones to follow are:
- make sure your child is only online in a shared room like the living room or kitchen where there are others around – and that also means have no mobile devices in the bedroom
- talk to your child often about what they’re getting up to online
- check your child’s mobile device regularly, just like you might check on who they’re playing with at the park – why not set an alarm on your phone a couple of times each week to remind you
Online safety has been our Living and Learning theme this week: I know how important it is to make careful choices when online. Each week, check our school calendar for the Living and Learning theme.
Oracy
This half-term, your child will be continuing to practise their oracy skills throughout all of their learning.
Oracy is your ability to communicate and express yourself effectively. It’s about having the vocabulary to be able to say what you want to say and the grammatical awareness to structure your thoughts in a logical way.
Good oracy skills have loads of benefits…
- it increases engagement in learning
- it improves academic outcomes
- it develops wellbeing and confidence
- it equips students to thrive in later life
Help at home…
- Be an oracy role model: model good speaking and listening skills to your child, and when they’re in ear-shot.
- Don’t ‘dumb down’ your language: try not to avoid using more complex vocabulary. Instead, use complicated language but then succinctly explain what it means eg succinct means short and quick
- Complete the talk time homework: these are a great opportunity to have a conversation and model good oracy skills.
Have a happy and healthy weekend – and stay warm!