Coronavirus Covid-19 SEND Resources

Supporting children to understand Coronavirus. We can all feel a bit anxious and concerned about Covid19. Particularly, children who may have additional needs. As a parent or carer, it is good to talk to them honestly and calmly about what is happening in the world and what is portrayed in the news. Children look to adults in their life for comfort when they are distressed, and will take a lead on how to view things from you. Therefore, it is important that your child feels like they are listened to and reassured, it is always good to have a gentle, age appropriate conversation to ensure that they do not feel isolated.

So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:21.

Supporting My Anxious Child

Anxiety can originate from many different sources, it is our body responding to something, most of the time that can be normal! Children can experience anxiety at different stages of development; many of these worries are typical and part of growing up. For younger children, it is common to have separation anxiety from their parents or carers. As they mature and become familiar with their new environment this will diminish overtime. It is also common amongst children to develop fears and or phobias; these can range from fearing the dark to being scared of animals / insects. These fears usually go away gradually on their own. Some children can also become anxious with changes or new social situations that they have no experienced before. With all the changes in their life during the past year, it is no surprise that many children are feeling anxious at this time.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him, my father God, and I will exalt him! Exodus 15:2.

Supporting My Child To Regulate Their Emotions

The Zones of Regulation is another system that could be used. Your child can categorise how their body feels and emotions into four coloured zones with which they can easily identify. In addition, the Zones of Regulation provide strategies to teach children to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts. Different emotions are grouped into four different colours.

In whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. John 3:20.

Supporting children to stay focused on home learning

As with adults, children can find it challenging to sustain their focus to tasks. Although this can vary from child to child, below are some of the ways we help maximise their attention and concentration within school.

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26: 3-4