A Cup of Shai

Photo by  Steven Libralon  on  Unsplash Hello all! Today I have brought to you a blog post about the importance of role-play for children! Role-play is used by children of all ages. Specifically for children aged 3-5, you will always find a ‘Role-Play’ section in the classroom, ranging from pint-sized kitchens, a hospital, or even a restaurant. For children older than this, this aspect is covered through the use of Drama and/or Dance.  I believed that role-play was a ‘fun activity’ for the children to dress up in and play with. However, there’s a whole multitude of reasons why role-play can be really beneficial to children who engage in this activity. Benefits of Role-Play. 1.        Empathy : by pretending to be someone else, they are able to adopt a new persona and hence understand this person’s feelings. They are able to gain a new perspective of experiences. 2.        Cognitive development through Imagination and Exploration : Children are able to make up s

Dear Class,  It’s only been a week, but I am really missing you all. How will Johhny’s obsession looking for ‘snakes’ (worms) in the playground have developed? And is little Anna still refusing to eat her food at lunchtime? Does James still feel ‘ill’ during maths, and will Kamil be friends with Tahir now? Will Ziyaad begin to speak in full sentences, and will Alice finally share her toys with Jack? Does Sandy need behaviour interventions and should I move Kylie up a Reading Level? These are my first thoughts when I wake up. From the moment I wake up, my mind is thinking about your wellbeing, how I can make lessons fun for you, and what resources I need to prepare. It feels strange waking up and not having to think about how I’m going to teach you adding today, and it certainly feels strange not having my dress tugged, my face turned forcibly for attention and (though I don’t miss this bit ), having to hold back a look of shock as I discover I have just hi5ed a we

Salaams and hello everyone! I hope you are in the best of faith, health and happiness :) Today I have brought to you some ideas about Mother's Day cards you can have fun with, with your little ones. I know, I know, I hear you saying "Shayma?! Really?! You're only two days late (!)" I completely understand, however thought with everyone being in isolation, a little extra crafty bits never hurt anyone did they? These cards are SO so simple to make, and they only take 10 minutes tops. I have aimed these for children around the 5 year old mark, but of course, you can adjust the design to suit your child's age and creative repertoire! Keep reading if you'd like to know how to make these cards. :) Bunting Card. You will need: Ready cut bunting. Card. Stick on pearl embellishments. Steps. 1. Stick the bunting on in an arc arrangement. 2.Add on the pearl embellishments. Voila! Loveheart fingerprints. You will need: Paint. Cute fingers. A cut

Photo by  Jealous Weekends  on  Unsplash Hello everybody! How have you been? I do NOT even want to mention the 'C' word. Hoever, I began thinking to myself "How would I make best use of my time once we eventually go into Lockdown?" Below are my ideas.  1. Clean your inbox.  2. Throw away holy socks.  3. File away bank statements.  4. Spend a little longer reflecting or praying.  5. Wash your make-up brushes.  6.Take an online course. Or three.  7. Sketch.  8. Meditate.  9. Learn a new language.  10. Declutter your pantry.  11. Paint a picture.  12. Rearrange some furniture.  13. Repair a button.  14. Have a home-made pamper session. 15. Give an elderly neighbour some food.  16. Skype a friend!  17. Finish a series on Netflix.  18. Learn how to make fondant figures.  19. List all your unwanted items on Amazon.  20. Create a feel-good playlist. 21. Draft a business proposal.  22. Research the best credit deals for you. 23. Mindful eating.  2

This is the first time I'd been to a Clarendon Park Christmas Fair, (which is really silly considering I've lived in Leicester my entire life.) I pulled my Dad and Sister along with me to go browsing. With me,I'm not much of a shopper, but I enjoy the opportunity to try out something new! Why not take up this opportunity? It was a free weekend, and something to do :) It felt really quaint. And genuine. There's just something completely different about shopping at a fair, as opposed to shopping from a shop. Clarendon Park, boasting a host of charming little shops, has always been a hub for anyone in the search of precious items. The atmosphere seems more heartfelt and true, that a shiny shopping centre will never be able to I think. With over 50 local businesses *market*ing their products, I wasn't bored at all! The stall which stood out to me was one which was selling baked goods. Gingerbread men with iced decorations, golden Rudolph cookies, slabs of