Words on Wednesday
Our Earth
24th April 2024
This week we have learnt about Earth Day that took place on Monday 22nd April. First held on April 22, 1970, Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! This year's theme is Planet vs. Plastics, calling on us to advocate for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion. Listen to the music on Monday and read the poem, and think about all of the things on Earth that are so precious and that we need for earth to thrive.
Earth Day
by Jane Yolen
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Each blade of grass,
Each honey tree,
Each bit of mud,
And stick and stone
Is blood and muscle,
Skin and bone.
And just as I
Need every bit
Of me to make
My body fit,
So Earth needs
Grass and stone and tree
And things that grow here
Naturally.
That's why we
Celebrate this day.
That's why across
The world we say:
As long as life,
As dear, as free,
I am the Earth
And the Earth is me.
Disabilities
27th March 2024
This week we have been thinking about disabilities and understanding further about the things that make us different. In assembly I shared the book 'We're all Wonders' about a little boy with a facial abnormality, and what it must be like to live in his world - a world in which he feels like any other child, but he's not always seen that way. All children want to belong and be seen for who they truly are, so we need to treat each other with kindness. I have taken some quotes from the book 'Wonder' for you all to think about this week and inspire you to always choose kindness.
1. “When given the choice between being right or being kind choose kind.”
2. “Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”
3. “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
4. “It’s not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.”
5. “The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”
6. “We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness.”
7. “It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”
Neurodiversity
20th March 2024
This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. A week to celebrate the strengths and talents of people with learning differences and one way of reminding everyone of the importance of being kind, tolerant and accepting of everyone.
Think about all of the children in your own class. Have you noticed that everyone thinks, learns and processes information differently?
Neurodiversity is based on the idea that everyone has a differently-wired brain and their own unique way of thinking and experiencing the world.
Neurodiversity is about recognising and respecting that we don’t all learn the same way. Differences in the way our brains are wired means that you may find some things challenging that others find easy. You may also find things easy that other people find challenging.
Some of the different ways of thinking, learning, interacting and perceiving the world have been given labels, such as:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dyscalculia
Tourette’s Syndrome
What Can You Do To Help?
Don’t tease or make fun of anyone in your class who is different or who is finding something difficult.
Instead, be kind, understanding and encouraging.
Never forget that you have the power to make a positive difference to someone who may be having a difficult time.
Discrimination
13th March 2024
In assembly this week we talked about race. Race can mean a person’s colour, nationality, ethnicity or citizenship. Someone’s ethnicity or national origin may not be the same as their current nationality. For example, someone may have Indian national origins and be living in Britain with a British passport. Race includes different ethnic and racial groups.
Racial discrimination or racism is when someone is treated differently because of their race, ethnicity, nationality or colour. As young children it's natural to notice difference but we need to understand, respect and appreciate the differences between people, so we are better able to see when things are unfair or unjust and do something about it. We are all unique and need to value and recognise this.
This week I am sharing a poem with you about being unique. When you've read it think about what make you unique and how you have been shaped by the different influences on your life.
All About You
6th March 2024
I shared with you this week in assembly what the Ofsted inspectors, who have recently visited our school, said about you in their report. We are so proud that they recognised what a 'useful and kind' bunch you are and really want to thank you for showing them your very best qualities. Below are some of the words they used to describe you and your behaviour and attitudes in and around school.
Exemplary behaviour - worthy of imitation; serving as a perfect model or example. Behaviour that is praiseworthy and is an example of the right way to be.
Responsible - is able to answer for one's conduct and obligations; trustworthy; able to choose for oneself between right and wrong.
Helpful - giving or ready to give help.
Highly respectful - characterised by courtesy and gracious good manners, someone who is humble and not arrogant or prideful.
Polite - having or showing behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people.
Courteous - polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
Considerate - someone who is considerate pays attention to the needs, wishes, or feelings of other people.
Generosity
28th February 2024
This week in assembly we thought about how we could we generous. Generosity is the quality of being kind and generous, but not necessarily about just being generous in terms of money. Instead we explored the different ways we could be generous by giving our time to others, forgiving people when they have made a mistake, sharing a compliment, working together to help each other or share our knowledge.
I wanted to share two new words with you this week which link to being generous. They are:
Ubuntu - Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It is about the essence of being human, it is part of the gift that Africa will give the world. It embraces hospitality, caring about others, being willing to go the extra mile for the sake of another.
Almsgiving - During Lent, Christians are asked to focus more intently on "almsgiving," which means donating money or goods to the poor and performing other acts of charity. Lent is a time for service, for generosity. This is about finding out who needs help and providing it, whether it be jobs, company or advice, or showing our generosity by buying gifts for others.
Love and Kindness
14th February 2024
Happy Valentine’s Day
Often on Valentine’s Day when we use the word love, most people think of romantic love, but there is far more to it. In fact, the ancient Greeks had as many as 30 different words to describe the shades of emotion that we try to contain in the one word, ‘love’. This week in assemblies we have been thinking about love and kindness. But what is love and kindness? Simply put, Kindness is love in action. It is taking the love you have in your heart and giving it away to another. To be kind is to be caring, generous, helpful, and supportive of others. Kindness doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Even the smallest acts of kindness have the power to transform someone's day.
Every act of Love and Kindness counts!
- Kindness is free
- Everyone, everywhere can become kinder
- Practising kindness every day makes us kinder and creates a better world for all
- Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a huge difference!
One recognised type of love is agape, and this is possibly the most important of all. Agape is selfless, undeserving and generous. It’s the kind of love that makes people volunteer for the jobs that nobody else wants to do. It’s the kind of love that is concerned for the needs of other people less fortunate than ourselves.
Now you understand a little more about love and kindness, have a think about how you can demonstrate love and kindness to:
1 Yourself - have a positive attitude and think ‘I can, allow yourself to make mistakes.
2 Others - volunteering to help someone else, hold a door open, smile at everyone, give a compliment.
3 The World - pick up some litter, plant something, feed the birds, don’t use single use plastic.
Rights and Responsibilities
6th February 2024
Did you know that, all children have special rights? We discussed some of these in assembly this week and had a look at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Let’s look at article 12. It says that all children (so that includes you!) have the right to have a view or opinion about something, and that grown-ups should listen to you and take your views and opinions seriously. Is there something that you feel strongly about that you would like to share? When we have an opinion about something, we can tell other people and use our voice to create the change we want to see. Sometimes we can use our voice to make a big difference in the world, but equally important is the way we use our voice to make a difference in small, everyday ways.
Rights - A right is something a person has which people think should not be taken away. It is a rule about what a person is allowed to do or have. A right is different from a privilege, which is something that must be earned.
Responsibilities - The state or fact of being responsible, answerable, or accountable for something within one's power, control, or management.
Whilst it's important that your voice is heard and you are listened to, we must remember that with the right to have our own views and opinions comes the responsibility of not using them to cause harm or upset to others.
Peace and Harmony
31st January 2024
This week we have been thinking about peace and harmony ready for World Interfaith Harmony Week. World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed every year in the first week of February. The goal of the week long celebration is to promote harmony between the citizens of the world, regardless of their faith. It is a celebration of unity in diversity, and the divine connection between people and their faith. We want everyone to realise that we have more in common than those things that divide us, that our common values of love, faith and kindness easily outweigh our differences. With patience and humility, we could all make the world a wonderful place to live in.
Respect
24th January 2024
We have been thinking about showing respect for ourselves, to others, for our learning and for school property this week.
Respect is
a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.
politeness, honour, and care shown towards someone or something that is considered important
Read the poem and consider how you are going to show respect this week.
Equality
17th January 2024
We have been discussing the difference between equality and equity in our assemblies, and yesterday we looked at the Equality Act 2010. Equality can be seen as the end goal. But equality can't be achieved without equity, which refers to treating people fairly, according to their individual needs. We are all different people, with different needs, but underneath those differences, we are all humans striving for happiness. We are united in our belief that all people deserve the same opportunities to follow their dreams and experience the world, no matter how different we are from one another.
What is Fair?
10th January 2024
Equality or Equity?
In assembly we discussed these two words. Can you remember what they mean?
Equality - Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.
Equity - Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
For things to be fair to everyone in our world, we need to understand that people have different needs, situations and goals and that some people may have additional barriers and challenges. Therefore to be fair, we need to achieve equity by removing any barriers and that requires giving different people different things so everyone can achieve their full potential.
Resolutions
3rd January 2024
Resolution - A firm decision to do or not to do something
Creating New Year’s resolutions is a tradition that many people participate in around the beginning of the New Year on January 1st. The start of a new year is seen as a new beginning or a fresh start and therefore can be used as an opportunity to think about goals we would like to achieve over the coming months.
People have been using the start of a new year to make positive changes in their lives for a long time. For instance, in Ancient Rome, people used to make promises to the gods that they would return any borrowed items and pay back their outstanding debts. Most of these promises were made to Janus, which is where the month January gets its name. Whether any of these promises lasted into February is still anyone’s guess! Since the days of Ancient Rome, New Year’s resolutions have grown a lot in popularity. In the early part of the 20th Century, only around a quarter of people made a resolution. These days, that figure is closer to 40%!
Are you going to make any resolutions for this year? This term we are going to be thinking about 'caring for others' so perhaps you could think about how your resolution could care for someone else.
Altruism
13th December 2023
In assembly last week we thought about the word 'Altruism' and what it means.
Altruism is the selfless act of helping others without expecting anything in return. It is often considered one of the defining characteristics of what it means to be human.
With Christmas just around the corner, I want you to take some time to think about how you might help out at home over this busy time. Your parents and carers will be working hard to ensure you have a lovely time, so what might you do to give back. At Christmas many people think about what they're going to get, will they get the present they really want?
The "12 Days of Christmas" is a carol which references the 12 days following Christmas, also known as Twelvetide in Christianity and includes a list of gifts which ends up totaling 364 gifts, by the way! So my challenge to you is to recreate this carol, with 12 days of 'Altruistic acts'. Can you find 12 different ways to do something for someone else, without expecting anything in return?
On the first day of Christmas I gave to my Grandma, a lovely cup of tea.
On the second day of Christmas I shared with my dad, chocolates from the Christmas tree
On the third day of Christmas ...
Honesty
29th November 2023
In school one of our responsibilities is that we are honest and truthful. But what does that really mean?
What is honesty? Does it just means that you "don't tell a lie".? No, honesty means more than "not lying." Honesty means your actions are truthful too. If you have to hide what you are doing because you are trying to trick someone, you probably aren't being honest. Honesty is about both speaking and acting truthfully.
Speaking truthful words
Honesty is speaking the truth. Saying things that aren't true, or that you think might not be true, or that you are making up to hide the truth are all types of lies. Lying is not honest (also called being dishonest) because you are saying something that isn't true. Examples of what speaking the honest truth means:
Honesty means you don't say things about people that aren't true. You are not being honest if you make up rumors about someone or if you share rumors someone else made up.
Being honest means you admit to your actions, even if you'll get in trouble. You are not being honest if you deny you did something wrong when you really did it.
Honesty means you explain how a situation really happened. You are not being honest if you say something happened one way when it really happened another way.
Acting truthfully
When you do something you know is morally wrong, or when you have to hide your actions because you know they are wrong, you are not being honest. Being honest means you act in a way that you know is the right thing to do.
This part of the definition of honesty includes not hiding the truth (deceiving), not breaking rules to gain an advantage (cheating), and not taking something that isn't yours (stealing) and any other action that you would hide because it is against what you consider morally right.
Road Safety Week
22nd November 2023
This week is Road Safety Week, with a theme of 'Let's talk about speed'. Keeping you safe on the roads is really important so this week our words are the Green Cross Code.
To be safe on the road you need to use the Green Cross Code.
Think
Find a safe place to cross the road.
Stop
- Just before you get to the kerb, stop.
- Stand on the pavement near the kerb and make sure that you can see the traffic. DO NOT step on to the road.
Look
- Look all around you for traffic. Make sure that you listen carefully for traffic that you can’t see.
- Check to your right hand side first, then check to your left and then to your right again before you cross.
- Beware that some roads, called one way streets, have all of the traffic moving in the same direction.
- Watch out for bicycles or people on rollerblades. You often don’t hear them but they travel very fast.
Wait
- If traffic is coming, let it pass.
- If you are waiting at a crossing then wait until the cars have stopped or, at pelican, toucan, puffin or pegasus crossings, the green man shows, before you cross.
- If you are not at a crossing wait until it is safe to cross.
- Once the traffic has passed look around again and listen.
Look and listen again
When it is safe and there is no traffic, walk straight across the road.
Arrive alive
Look and keep looking while you cross the road.
Anti-Bullying
15th November 2023
This week is Anti-Bullying week and through our assemblies we have been ensuring we understand what bullying is and what we should do about it. We’re all able to make a choice in how we behave towards others. We can choose to be kind and helpful, or we could act in a way that is mean and unkind. Bullying is a type of unkind behaviour, such as being mean to others on purpose.
Sometimes, people who bully others may be feeling sad or angry and might take their negative feelings out on other people. By being responsible citizens we can choose to be kind to others and help stop bullying.
If you or someone you know is being bullied there are things you can do to try and stop it.
Tell an adult - this could be your parent, carer or teacher.
Talk to the bully - ask the bully to stop.
Be with friends you trust - surround yourself with people that treat you well.
'I'll be there for you'
We don't bully in our school
Everyone is kind
No matter what you look like
We really don't mind
Everybody's different
And that's what makes us great
But we all agree on one thing
There's no room here for hate
We try to help each other
In everything we do
And value thoughts and feelings
No matter what the view
There's no place here for bullies
Just friends both old and new
With one short simple message
"I'll be there for you."
Forgiveness
8th November 2023
Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes we need to be able to move on from this and forgive people for what they have done. This poem is all about someone making a mistake that caused upset, but they really didn't intend to. Holding onto anger and upset can just make you feel more angry and upset. Instead we need to 'Let it Go' and move on, finding an acceptable solution.
Forgiven by A. A. Milne
I found a little beetle; so that Beetle was his name,
And I called him Alexander and he answered just the same.
I put him in a match-box, and I kept him all the day ...
And Nanny let my beetle out -
Yes, Nanny let my beetle out -
She went and let my beetle out -
And Beetle ran away.
She said she didn't mean it, and I never said she did,
She said she wanted matches and she just took off the lid,
She said that she was sorry, but it's difficult to catch
An excited sort of beetle you've mistaken for a match.
She said that she was sorry, and I really mustn't mind,
As there's lots and lots of beetles which she's certain we could find,
If we looked about the garden for the holes where beetles hid -
And we'd get another match-box and write BEETLE on the lid.
We went to all the places which a beetle might be near,
And we made the sort of noises which a beetle likes to hear,
And I saw a kind of something, and I gave a sort of shout:
"A beetle-house and Alexander Beetle coming out!"
It was Alexander Beetle I'm as certain as can be,
And he had a sort of look as if he thought it must be Me,
And he had a sort of look as if he thought he ought to say:
"I'm very very sorry that I tried to run away."
And Nanny's very sorry too for you-know-what-she-did,
And she's writing ALEXANDER very blackly on the lid,
So Nan and Me are friends, because it's difficult to catch
An excited Alexander you've mistaken for a match.
Gratitude
1st November 2023
What is the harvest attitude of gratitude?
Harvest time is an opportunity to reflect on all that we receive, give thanks and show our gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that has many benefits for the person experiencing it. It can transform our thinking and our way of being, and cause us to lead much more fulfilling and happy lives.
There are thought to be 4 elements to gratitude:
Noticing – Recognising the things you have to be grateful for.
Thinking – Thinking about why you’ve been given those things.
Feeling – The emotions you experience as a result of the things you’ve been given.
Doing – The way you express appreciation.
How thankful have your felt lately? What are the things you appreciate the most? Try making a list of 10 or even 20 items that come to mind. Did you have clean water and clean air on your list? How about nutritious food in adequate amounts? What about having shelter and people who care about you?
Strengths and Weaknesses
17th October 2023
We found out in assembly about how Michael Jordon, a superstar basketball player, had real tenacity, never giving up in pursuit of his dreams. We all have different strengths and things we find difficult, but if we have goals in life we want to achieve then true strength lies in our tenacity.
Tenacity is the quality displayed by someone who just won't quit — who keeps trying until they reach their goal.
See if you can set yourself a goal and have the determination, courage and self will to not give up, knowing that if you persevere good things will happen.
This poem about Tenacity is a free verse. A verse that does not follow a fixed metrical pattern.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
"Remember you're the one who can fill the world with sunshine." — Snow White, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarfs
“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” – Dory, Finding Nemo
“Don't fear failure. Be afraid of not having the chance, you have the chance!” – Sally Carrera, Cars 3
“You can’t focus on what’s going wrong. There’s always a way to turn things around.” – Joy, Inside Out
"Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself."– Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter
"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." – Mary Poppins
"You and I are a team. There is nothing more important than friendship." Mike Wazowski, Monsters Inc.
"Trust your head, but don't be afraid to follow your heart." - Alice in Wonderland
"If you can dream it you can do it." - Mickey Mouse
Positivity
11th October 2023
Yesterday was World Mental Health Day, a day to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Having a positive outlook on life can help you notice and appreciate the good things in your lives. It's easy to spend a lot of time thinking about things that have gone wrong but when you do this, these things can seem overwhelming and lead to worry and stress. So today I want to share some words of motivation, hope, and encouragement with you. These are all taken from films you may have watched. See if you can find a favourite one to recite and remember, then when you are feeling sad you can use this positive self talk to lift your mood, correct your negative thoughts and help you to be kinder to yourself.
People need people,
To walk to
To talk to
To cry and rely on,
People will always need people.
To love and to miss
To hug and to kiss,
It’s useful to have other people.
To whom to moan
If you’re all alone,
It’s so hard to share
When no one is there.
There’s not much to do
When there’s no one but you.
People will always need people.
To please
To tease
To put you at ease,
People will always need people.
To make life appealing
And give life some meaning,
It’s useful to have other people.
It you need a change
To whom will you turn.
If you need a lesson
From whom will you learn.
If you need to play
You’ll know why I say
People will always need people.
As girlfriends
As boyfriends
From Bombay
To Ostend,
People will always need people-
To have friendly fights with
And share tasty bites with,
It’s useful to have other people.
People live in families
Gangs, posses and packs,
Its seems we need company
Before we relax,
So stop making enemies
And let’s face the facts,
People will always need people,
Yes
People will always need people.
–Benjamin Zephaniah
Tolerance
4th October 2023
This week we celebrate the start of Black History Month, recognising the invaluable contributions of black people. People Need People ia a poem by British writer Benjamin Zephaniah, about the power of people, and the importance of connecting with others. This poem reminds us all to be kind to one another, no matter what our differences are.
Happiness
27th September 2023
This week we are thinking about how we can be happy and ensure we all have happy playtimes. Think about what makes you happy and what has been joyful so far this week. Happiness can at times feel fleeting. Our moments of bliss are just that, moments. After all, there times in the day when we're not having positive feelings. But there are still little things you can do to remind yourself of all the good times, and infuse your day with a tiny spark of joy.
'Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.'Mahatma Ghandi
Can you make a list of synonyms for happiness?
Peace
20th September 2023
Each year International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st September. This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals. It is a call to action that recognises our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace and create a culture of peace for all.
This week think about what bring you inner peace. Maybe it's relaxing on your bed, eating chocolate, playing sport or something else. Try to find time to make it a daily practice and see how it changes your world.
"If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else."
Marvin Gaye
Good thoughts
13th September 2023
Today is Roald Dahl day. An annual global celebration of his stories, characters, worlds and words. Roald Dahl invented 500 words and character names, from the Oompa-Loompas and whizzpopping to the less well known humplecrimp, lixivate and zoonk. Our words on Wednesday this week are some of Roald Dahl's invented words and link to our assemblies this week on having good thoughts.
As Roald Dahl wrote in The Twits 'A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely'.
I hope that this week you find lots of wondercrump opportunities to churgle and phizz-whizz.
Phizz-whizzing: "If you like something or someone"
Wondercrump: "Wonderful or splendiferous"
Churgle: When you churgle, you gurgle with laughter.
Belonging
6th September 2023
'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other.'
Mother Teresa
This poem about belonging is a Pantoum. A pantoum is a poem of any length, composed of four-line stanzas (a group of lines forming the basic unit in a poem) in which the second and fourth lines of each stanza serve as the first and third lines of the next stanza. The last line of a pantoum is often the same as the first.
As we embark on a new school year I want you to be yourself and not worry about having to 'fit in'. We don't need to change to be accepted by others, as the poem says, just be yourself; you be you, and I'll be me. Belonging doesn't require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are. Life would be boring if we were all the same. Our differences are what makes life interesting. Smile at someone new today, make them feel welcome, important and valuable.