Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with their heart, seeing with their eyes.” Daniel H Pink
Empathy
Empathy means feeling with someone, not just feeling sorry for them. It is one of the best ways to be a kind friend and a good person. Empathy is not just noticing that someone is happy, sad, or hurt—you’re trying to understand their feelings from their point of view and responding with kindness.
Examples of when you could be empathetic:
Our tips for empathy:
Pay attention to how people look and sound – are they happy, sad, or upset? Look for clues in their body language to find out how they might be feeling.
Read a book or watch a TV show – pick a character in the book or show and imagine how that character might feel. Do you think all the characters feel the same? Put yourself in their shoes! Check out EmpathyLab’s #ReadForEmpathy book collection for ideas of what to read to build empathy.
Empathy drawing – if you like to get creative, you could try drawing a picture of how someone else might feel in a certain situation (e.g., “a child who has lost their favourite toy”, “a child who is starting a new school”).
Be kind with actions – even little things help – like sharing, listening, or giving a hug.
Include everyone – invite others to play, join in, or sit with you. Notice if someone is standing alone, sitting on a bench, or watching others play.
Kindness cards – consider making cards or notes for family, friends or classmates who might need a boost!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Yesterday, we celebrated 80 years since Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). This week, I have chosen books that explain the importance of this day, and shine a spotlight of some of the hidden histories from that day and the lead up to it.
First, I have picked Blitz: One Family’s War by Martin Impey.
This powerful picture book tells the story of a young brother and sister growing up in the East End of London during World War Two. Through their eyes, we experience what it was like to live through the Blitz — from saying goodbye to their dad as he goes off to war, to hurrying into air raid shelters at night, not knowing if their home would still be standing in the morning.
The story is filled with emotion and real-life detail, brought to life by 247 beautiful illustrations. It helps young readers understand how ordinary families lived through extraordinary times, showing bravery, resilience, and the famous “keep calm and carry on” spirit.
This is a touching and thoughtful book that gives us a glimpse into the past — a perfect read for children wanting to learn about World War Two, and understand why VE Day was so celebrated.
Next, I have picked Home Coming: Stories About Coming Home From War, originally published to celebrate the 75th anniversay of VE Day.
This moving and beautifully illustrated collection of short stories marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day through the eyes of those who experienced it. Home Again brings together twelve powerful tales of homecoming at the end of World War Two, written by well-known children’s authors including Bali Rai, Leila Rasheed, Tony Bradman and Jim Eldridge.
Each story offers a different perspective—from a child evacuee returning home, to a Bletchley Park codebreaker, an Indian Army soldier, and even a rebel fighter. The range of voices, including men, women and children from diverse backgrounds, helps bring this important moment in history to life in an accessible and thought-provoking way.
What makes this book particularly special is that every story is followed by a fact file packed with interesting details about the war, giving children the chance to explore the historical context further. I found Bali Rai’s “A Sense Of Home” resonated deeply having learned so much about the Coventry Blitz from my grandparents.
Carefully researched and emotionally resonant, Home Again is an excellent choice for Key Stage Two readers, supporting knowledge of our history while also encouraging empathy and reflection, making it a meaningful addition to any bookshelf.
Finally, being a huge fan of a verse novel, I have chosen Digging For Victory by Cathy Faulkner.
Set in Devon during the Second World War, this powerful and moving story follows 12-year-old Bonnie, who longs to do something important to help the war effort—just like her big brother, Ralph. Instead, she’s expected to stay at home and tend the vegetable patch. But everything changes when a quiet and mysterious man, Mr Fisher, is billeted at their house.
Bonnie is sure he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to find out what. Is he just shy and awkward, or could he be avoiding the war on purpose? Even worse—could he be a German spy?
Told through beautifully crafted verse, which was thoroughly deserving of it’s Carnegie nomination, this gripping story is full of emotion, mystery and adventure. It’s ideal for children in Key Stage 2 who enjoy historical fiction, or for those looking to try something a little different. A truly rewarding read that’s perfect for sparking discussion.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela
Challenges
Throughout our lives we are going to experience different challenges, both big and small. There will be times where these challenges are exciting and maybe other times where challenges could feel scary and uncertain. These different challenges will push us to try new things, build our resilience and teach us new things about ourselves and the world around us.
When taking on challenges, we learn that we can work towards goals, overcome any obstacles and be resilient even when something is difficult. A growth mindset can help us take on new challenges, it builds our confidence to have a go at things, increases our self-esteem and encourages us to keep trying, even if something doesn’t work out the first time!
Our top tips for challenging ourselves:
Set yourself some goals you would like to reach this time next year (long term goals). Perhaps these can be things you’ve always wanted to do but never tried before. Break your goals down into medium-term goals and short-term goals (goals you can set to work towards the long-term goal in a few weeks or months).
Ask for help when needed. Challenging ourselves is not about getting through difficult times alone…sometimes we need a helping hand and that is okay!
Push yourself out of your comfort zone this week. You might want to try a new food, learn a new hobby, start a conversation with a different friend, or put your hand up in a lesson at school. Can you think of a SMART goal you would like to challenge yourself with this week? Click this link to learn more about SMART goals.
ThanksKids recognises the efforts and kindness of children and young people, and thanks them with personalised #NHSStars certificates. If you know a child or young person that deserves recognition for going above and beyond, don’t wait, nominate! [email protected].
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
We had the privilege, once again, of being chosen to form a judging panel for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize, which celebrates the best science books written for children each year. A group of children from Year 5 analysed and evaluated the shortlist, scoring each book on strict criteria before submitting our scores to be counted alongside all of the other panels. This week’s Friday Library Recommendations celebrate our top three shortlisted books.
In third place, and the book that went on to scoop the prize was Can You Get Rainbows In Space? by Dr Sheila Kanani, illustrated by Liz Kay
A fascinating read for curious minds, Can You Get Rainbows in Space? offers an engaging exploration into the science of colour. Aimed at young readers, this book answers some of life’s most intriguing questions, such as: Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? And why is the sky blue?
Packed with fun facts and easy-to-understand explanations, the book delves into the world of light, waves, and colour, unraveling the science behind everyday phenomena. Children will discover how some animals glow in the dark, why leaves change colour in autumn, and why veins appear blue despite the blood they carry being red.
But it’s not just about what we see on Earth – young readers will also learn from Dr Sheila Kanani, a real astronomer, how rainbows can be made in space. The book even explores the fascinating link between language and the way we perceive colour.
Ideal for sparking interest in science, this book is an educational yet fun read that will inspire children to look at the world around them in a whole new light, and nurture their curiosity about the natural world.
In second place, we picked All Bodies Are Wonderful by Beth Cox, illustrated by Samantha Meredith
A heartwarming and informative book designed to help children understand and appreciate their bodies. With a gentle approach, the book celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, highlighting that from the atoms that make us up to the incredible things our bodies can do, all bodies are wonderful.
In a world where children may sometimes feel self-conscious or unsure about their bodies, this book reassures them that being different is completely natural – it’s simply science at work! With an inclusive and empowering tone, it encourages children to embrace their bodies just as they are, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.
Ideal for starting open, honest conversations about body diversity, this guide is a brilliant resource for supporting children to feeling comfortable and confident in their own skin. A must-read for anyone looking to nurture self-acceptance and promote positive body image from an early age.
And finally, our first place book was Mission Arctic by Katharina Weiss-Tuider, illustrated by Christian Schneider
Mission: Arctic takes readers on a thrilling journey to the heart of one of the world’s most vital yet least understood ecosystems. This fascinating science-based guide follows the 2019 MOSAiC expedition, the largest Arctic mission ever undertaken, offering young readers a unique insight into how the Arctic is rapidly changing and the profound effects these changes could have on our planet.
Through gripping photographs, illustrations, and diagrams, children will learn about the scientists who embarked on this daring mission aboard the Polarstern, a powerful icebreaker research vessel. The expedition’s goal was to freeze the ship into the Arctic sea ice and allow it to drift towards the North Pole, collecting vital data about the rapidly changing environment. Along the way, they faced extreme temperatures, fierce storms, and the constant threat of polar bears.
This book is a treasure trove of exciting facts and discoveries about the Arctic, including the dangerous conditions endured by the scientists and the groundbreaking research they conducted. It highlights the surprising truth that the Arctic ice, once thought to be permanent, is melting at an alarming rate.
Mission: Arctic is an essential read young ecologists and environmentalists, offering a compelling look at how the Arctic’s transformation affects us all. With its engaging narrative and stunning visuals, it’s a brilliant resource to spark curiosity about climate change and the importance of understanding our planet’s ecosystems.
Tips For Wellness from Dragonfly: Impact Education
A day without laughter is a day wasted – Charlie Chaplin
Laughter is truly the best medicine and can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health. There are even laughter workshops and laughter coaching emerging in many places.
Why is laughing so good for us?
Laughing releases endorphins and relaxes your body and mind. Even if not engaging in full on laughter, smiling relaxes the mind and body. One interesting study suggested that it is actually the belief that the happiest people increase their wellbeing because they smile more frequently.
Our top tips for making the most of smiling and laughter:
Keep It Real! Not all smiles are equal! In 1862, anatomist G B Duchenne noted that a muscle which surrounds the eye is only used in smiles that are real and not those that are posed. It’s these real smiles and laughter than release the endorphins so find things that genuinely make you happy!
Find What Works For You: Our sense of humour is very individual. Some people like slap-stick humour whilst others prefer witty repartee! Don’t feel any pressure to follow the crowd but rather experiment with lots of types of comedy until you find something you like.
Your Thoughts Matter: It’s really difficult to genuinely laugh or even smile if our thoughts are unhappy, so try to challenge negative thinking. Reframe this kind of thinking to positive (or neutral) thoughts and smile. This sends a signal to your body that everything is OK. It can be helpful to have a bank of happy thoughts that you bring to mind if you catch yourself in a negative spiral – things that always make you feel positive: loved ones, pets, beautiful experiences or views
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
This week, parents/carers of children starting Reception in September 2025 received their school place confirmations. There are still a small number of places available for our new Reception class, starting in September 2025. Please contact the school for more information on [email protected]
We are looking forward to meeting our new parents/carers for our ‘New Parent/Carer’ meeting in May. The school will be sending out information during the week commencing 28th April.
I am a huge fan of puzzle books, and it’s great to see new ones hitting bookshop shelves based on some of our favourite characters.
Where’s Wally? A-maze-ing Journeys by Martin Handford
A must-have addition to any young puzzler’s bookshelf. Now available in paperback, this delightful maze-filled journey promises hours of entertainment as young adventurers accompany Wally on a truly unique exploration.
With over 60 maze routes to uncover, the book takes readers through eleven captivating scenes, each more mind-boggling than the last. From art galleries to a bustling sweet factory, a space centre, and even Wallywood, each location is a maze in itself, packed with twists, turns, and plenty of fun distractions. Kids can trace their fingers through the labyrinths, solving the maze challenges, and searching for hidden objects along the way.
In addition to the main mazes, there are mini-mazes and extra searches scattered throughout, adding even more layers of adventure. From groovy discos to fantastical journeys, Wally’s world is as exciting as it is perplexing.
This book is an excellent choice for young puzzle enthusiasts, combining problem-solving skills with the thrill of discovery. Perfect for children who enjoy exploring, learning, and—most importantly—having fun!
Bunny Vs Monkey: The Whopping World Of Puzzles by Jamie Smart
The beloved Bunny vs Monkey series continues with a fantastic new addition that promises hours of interactive fun for children! In this latest book, Bunny, Monkey, and their gang stumble upon a secret theme park hidden deep within the woods, and what follows is a thrilling competition where you become part of the adventure.
Packed with a variety of engaging activities such as wordsearches, puzzles, and mazes, this activity book is designed to keep young minds entertained while offering plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you are solving challenges or joining in the fun with Bunny, Monkey, and the rest of the characters, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderfully creative way to keep busy, and this book is sure to be a favourite!
An absolute must-have for fans of the series and any child who loves interactive activities.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide To Unruly Activities by Louie Stowell
If you are a fan of the mischievous Loki, then this fun-filled, interactive book is sure to keep you entertained for hours. A brilliant new addition to the series, it combines short stories, quizzes, puzzles, and a host of activities that are perfect for curious minds.
The book kicks off with Loki’s latest escapade: after pulling one too many pranks involving… well, let’s just say ‘poo’, Heimdall challenges him to find a more creative (and less messy) way to pass the time. Naturally, Loki is up for the task! With a bit of help from his friends, Valerie and Georgina (and, of course, Thor, who isdefinitely notone of Loki’s friends), he creates a collection of fun and sometimes cheeky activities.
You can try your hand at quizzes about Norse mythology, including a rather tricky one with Valerie and a much easier one with Thor. You can also decipher secret codes, and even hunt for Loki in various animal disguises. There is even an Insult Generator to craft witty (and humorous) remarks that is for out of school use only. Throughout it all, there are promises of those tantalising stories Loki has always been too busy to tell.
Packed with clever, light-hearted activities, this book is perfect for readers who love to engage with their favourite characters in a more interactive way. Whether solving puzzles or enjoying Loki’s mischief, this book is a brilliant boredom buster.
