Encourage children to talk about their own personal stories about covid-19. Provide opportunities for children in primary schools to explore different perspectives, talk about any worries and ask questions. Using the ‘Road Map’ approach, children shared their thoughts and views about the issues already widely discussed by politicians, teachers and parents. When we consider the debate around schools on social media, TV and radio from a child’s perspective it is clear that the uncertainty around the safety of returning to school will weigh heavy on their minds. The constant narrative about what’s safe and what isn’t, the confusion about opening schools and mixed messages about PPE will have been heard by all our children, but how they have made sense of it all will be different for each one.

This series of images showing key workers can be used in the primary classroom to get children talking about their own experiences of Covid-19. Encourage children to tell the story for each character. What did they do? Why did they do it? How did they feel? Who do you know who did that role? The child-friendly images provide a starting point for discussion which will help young children to make sense of the world around them. Creating a space for active listening; providing an opportunity for children to ask questions and for teachers to address any misconceptions that are causing concern.

Early childhood education during a pandemic is challenging. Teaching young children to wash their hands is an effective way to prevent the transmission of coronavirus in schools, early years settings and in the home. This colourful poster can be used to encourage and remind young children to wash their hands independently to mitigate the spread of covid 19. Use this resource to talk about the importance of hand-washing and infection in ways that are child-friendly and developmentally appropriate.

A resource for classroom assemblies or PSHE to encourage young children to talk about their feelings. Children are introduced to the vocabulary to describe six ‘big feelings’ that are important for emotional wellbeing. As children talk, the teacher is able to gain insight into each child’s state of health and wellbeing. The set of slides can be used one slide-a-day as a conversation starter or as preparation for using a ‘Worry Box’ as an ongoing strategy to support mental health in the early years.

Protect and strengthen children’s mental health and wellbeing competencies. Use this checklist to guide your observations and pedagogical discussions in EYFS , a visual reminder to focus on building resilience at a time when many children and their families are subject to feelings of anxiety and stress. Observe children at play and identify each child’s strengths and areas for development in terms of mental health. Reflect on your enabling environment and how it supports each child to develop mental health and wellbeing competencies. Support your understanding of a child at risk, or one who is causing concern by responding to the questions as an EYFS team.

https://www.routledge.com/A-Voice-of-My-Own-A-Thought-Bubbles-Picture-Book-About-Communication/Jackson/p/book/9781032135885 ISBN 9781032135885 The characters in this book communicate in different ways. Can you work out what they mean through their voices, gestures and expressions? With growing concerns around mental health, and in the wake of a period of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how young children express their emotions, and to teach them to articulate their thoughts in a healthy way. This beautifully illustrated picture book has been created to teach children about the importance of communication; both in finding their own ‘voice’ and listening to others, however they communicate. By demonstrating how easy it can be to interpret a non-verbal communication system, it encourages children to notice and talk about non-verbal cues, giving them the opportunity to actively listen and reassuring them that they will be listened to. When it comes to child and adolescent mental health issues, prevention and early intervention is key. The ‘serve and return’ format of this book provides a virtual space where children can explore thoughts and feelings, teaching them that they can feel safe and heard.

https://www.routledge.com/Someone-to-Listen-A-Thought-Bubbles-Picture-Book-About-Finding-Friends/Jackson/p/book/9781032135892 Everybody is busy, busy, busy. They have no time to stop and listen to each other. With some hard work and patience, the children create a meal that their whole community can enjoy, finding friendship along the way. With growing concerns around mental health, and in the wake of a period of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how young children express their emotions, and to teach them to articulate their thoughts in a healthy way. This beautifully illustrated picture book has been created to help children understand the importance of having someone to listen to you. Children are encouraged to think about how characters might be feeling at different points in the story, and think about what makes the characters feel valued. When it comes to child and adolescent mental health issues, prevention and early intervention is key. The ‘serve and return’ format of this book provides a virtual space where children can explore thoughts and feelings, teaching them that they have a place in their community. Cultivating Resilience in Early Childhood (Routledge). Someone to Listen available to pre-order. TES readers can receive a 20 per cent discount by using the code APR20 until 30 September.

A simple format to frame your catch-up conversations with children as they meet back together in school. Find out about what they have been doing and what they have enjoyed but also give each child a chance to share any worries and consider who is available in school if they need to talk. Lets put children at the heart of our catch-up programmes and show them in 1:1 conversations that we are listening and we value what they have to tell us.

www.routledge.pub/A-Place-of-My-Own Johan, Hana, Ratheena and Sami have found some magical wellington boots. When they put them on, they are transported to wonderful and comforting places, and even through time. Where will they take you? With growing concerns around mental health, and in the wake of a period of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how young children express their emotions, and to teach them to articulate their thoughts in a healthy way. This beautifully illustrated picture book has been created to inspire conversations about safe spaces, helping practitioners assess a child’s mental health competency and helping the child visualise a place to which they can escape when they feel anxious and upset. When it comes to child and adolescent mental health issues, prevention and early intervention is key. The ‘serve and return’ format of this book provides a virtual space where children can explore thoughts and feelings and teaches them a coping mechanism that can be used in the future to escape negative thoughts. A Place of My Own, will be available to pre-order. TES readers can receive a 20 per cent discount by using the code APR20 until 30 September.

outledge.com/Memories-of-Change-A-Thought-Bubbles-Picture-Book-About-Thinking-Differently/Jackson/p/book/9781032135908 It’s the Queen’s birthday, and the children must work together to create the most amazing machine – a machine that can create 100 apple crumbles by the afternoon tea party. With growing concerns around mental health, and in the wake of a period of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how young children express their emotions, and to teach them to articulate their thoughts in a healthy way. This beautifully illustrated picture book helps children understand the ‘journey’ in thinking, exploring the ways in which collaborating, experimenting and changing ideas can open new possibilities. By learning to reframe their memories, children learn that change and transition don’t have to be bad things. When it comes to child and adolescent mental health issues, prevention and early intervention are key. The ‘serve and return’ format of this book provides a virtual space where children can explore thoughts and feelings, teaching them to be resilient in the face of change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJuBemELjI The Anna Freud Centre’s Early Years in Mind learning network hosted a webinar on supporting traumatised children in early years settings which took place in June 2021. The event was aimed at frontline practitioners including nursery workers, managers and childminders and was held in response to findings from a survey of nursery workers the report of which can be found at: www.annafreud.org/eyresources Chair: Dr Camilla Rosan, Head of Early Years Programme (AFNCCF) Speakers: Dr Theresa Schwaiger, Clinical Psychologist (AFNCCF), Dr Sheila Redfern, Head of Family Trauma (AFNCCF) and Louise Jackson - Deputy Head/Senior Leader at St Lawrence’s primary school and nursery

A short audio story for use with very young children. Prepare a bowl of water, soap and towel so the child can wash their hands and play as they listen. This resource was recorded to help children under five living in remote areas of the world understand how to stay safe and reduce the spread of infection. Encourage young children to talk, ask questions and share their thoughts as they play with the water. A practical introduction to hand washing for a young child listening alongside a parent, sibling or ECE Educator.