PICTURES: Pupils and staff at Pennyland Primary get into character for World Book Day
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Colourful characters stood out at Pennyland Primary last week as children and staff got into the spirit of World Book Day.
Pupils dressed as a character from their favourite book and enjoyed a range of book-themed activities such as buddy reading, designing their own bookmark and discussing their favourite books.
Children who were learning remotely join in online by showing either their favourite book, a book from their childhood or a book they were currently reading, which was discussed and shared with others.
Some teachers and staff members made a colourful contribution when they dressed up as the crayons from the book The Day the Crayons Came Home.
Meanwhile, the school has also been focusing on children's mental health and wellbeing.
Once early learning and childcare children along with those in P1-3 had returned to school, upper school staff at Pennyland decided to introduce “Wellbeing Wednesdays” for P4-7 pupils who were still at home.
Each Wednesday, P4-7 staff have designed a range of activities based around a central theme, such as celebrating National Tortilla Chip Day carnival style! Other themes have included National World Wildlife Day where the children were encouraged to plan a trip to a nearby forest and participate in a scavenger hunt and there was also a science themed day to coincide with the start of the Caithness Science Festival in March.
Fiona Parnell, P6 teacher at Pennyland, said that many of the children were enjoying these days as they are fun, a break from the norm, they encourage a variety of independent skills and they involve the whole family.
She added: "Staff are aware of the impact Covid-19 has had on everyone. We missed the smiling faces coming in the door every morning and the positive buzz that we are accustomed to in school.
"We know that motivation can be low some days for many and for that reason we felt a pick me up would be much appreciated by everyone with a clear focus on mental health, quality family time and learning new skills."
All P4-7 pupils are expected to return to in-school classes from Monday.
