We must remember that Monday isn’t just another Monday. It’s not like the day back after a holiday. It’s been nearly 3 months of the children not seeing one another properly. Monday needs to have the warmest welcome you can possibly give.

There are lots of ideas from teachers on Twitter about things to do to make the children and staff feel welcome – here’s just a few:

…. being flexible to missing parents, siblings, the lockdown routines, shoes won’t fit, uniform’s not as comfy as home clothes etc.

…. remembering that for some, lockdown has seen personal tragedy.

… giving children (and staff) time to sit and chat with their friends will be really important.

 …. use lots of making or drawing activities to let them reconnect with each other and with their own feelings

…. has to be all about routines and interactions. Children have had full days of live lessons for 7 weeks and, although they’ve done well, they may struggle to adapt back to real-world interactions. Talking is not the same as using the chat function!

…. planning as if it’s a new year to be honest, completely new slate, reminder of routines and lots of positivity!

…. avoid uses of terms such as ‘we need to catch up on this’ or ‘we have fallen behind’. This will increase anxiety. Instead – say that ‘let’s go over some of the difficult concepts so they are secure….’

…. big smile – take the time to talk to the children and focus on the positives. Establish good routines from the first day back.

…. remember that you have to teach the behaviours you want to see.

…. warm welcome for other staff members too. Plenty have had a difficult three months, and lots may have anxiety about coming back.

…. it’s going to be tough because inside I’ll be a screaming, anxious, frightened and angry person myself. But I’ll put my face on for the kids and not let them know it.

…. the catch-up children will need, is with their peers and teachers. The rest they’ll do just fine.

…. make it a Monday that kids remember for all the bestest reasons! ……. And Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and well …. until the end of term!

Now go and spread your magic!