Sleep Week

Shamrocks Class are feeling relaxed and rested after our Sleep Week activities! Each morning we began the day by working out how much sleep we'd managed to have the night before and discussing the quality of that sleep. We completed mindfulness colouring exercises and researched how much sleep children should have at different ages. We looked at tips for winding down before bed, making sure we exercise enough throughout the day (but not too close to bedtime), how long to leave between eating and sleeping and techniques to help us drift off into a peaceful sleep each night.

We were lucky to have an online lesson delivered by Aneeta from BEAM (emotional health and wellbeing team) giving us lots of practical suggestions and advice on dealing with worries - therefore helping us to get better nights sleep! The children discussed how they knew they were feeling worried or anxious, recognising what triggers that anxiety and lots of practical tips and advice on how to deal with this...from getting outdoors and exercising to sharing their worries with trusted peers and adults. The children discussed what works for them individually and we noticed how different things work for each of us. Aneeta finished by sharing some tips for successfully approaching exams like the SATs without becoming too worried or anxious. It was a really useful session!

Mrs Chapman led a Mindful Music Assembly where we sang lots of calming and peaceful songs and discussed how music can help us to relax and unwind.

To finish off Sleep Week we had a pyjama day where £87 was raised for Crane Counselling services. Shamrock's class were also treated to a fantastic sleep themed Drama Workshop led by Derwen College NarraTours Performing Arts Team which was the highlight of our week. The professional delivery of such a well planned and informative class was incredible and I was so proud of the effort and participation by each and every one of the children in Shamrocks! We participated in a warm up before being taught the lyrics and actions to a song which we then performed in a round. Next, we were introduced to a sleep themed song, written by the students, who taught us the chorus, so we were able to join in their final performance with them. The Derwen College students then entertained us with some performance art based on sleep myths and facts (we learnt lots of important sleep tips). Finally we were taught Makaton sleep word signs and symbols and participated in a mindfulness meditation to conclude. It was such an enjoyable and informative session!