10 things...........

 

This half term feels different. No holidays, no cinema or day trips booked, no catch up over a Boulies cuppa with friends. 

After a difficult start to 2021 and a long half term doing a brilliant job of engaging in online lessons (👏👏), we've come up with 10 things to make your well earned week off feel like a break.

10 things to do in Half Term when you're in Lockdown.  

1. Cody - Plan a Movie night While we’re all locked down, we need stuff to do. Why not plan a movie night? It's a fun way to take time off technology and just chill with the family. Me and my family do this a lot especially when we’ve had a long day because its a fun way to wind down. Choose a day, a time, get the popcorn ready, pick a film, and sit down together to watch it. I recommend the Dukes of Hazard. 
2. Tyler - Nature-Watch Spend an hour counting the birds you see in your garden and report what you saw. It really is that simple! In the last hour, I can report that I have seen a Wood Pidgeon (Columba Palumbus), a Jackdaw (Corvus Monedula) and a Magpie (Pica Pica). Let the RSPB know who's visiting your garden. www.rspb.org.uk
3. Gruff - Mindful Moments Being caught up in the news, work and constantly on a screen because of the lockdown situation might not always be the best for your wellbeing, so here’s a suggestion. Switch off your phone or computer for an hour, sit down and listen to some calming music, read a book or perhaps just have a little lie down. You’ll feel better.  
4. Abi - Get Arty I like drawing because it relaxes me. I will be drawing Musa and Sam from Fate: the Winx Saga. Drawing and colouring can help reduce stress and improve focus. You don't have to be an artist, just enjoy expressing yourself. 
5. Connor - Aim to get your steps in Over half term I plan to walk 12,000 steps everyday. Why not set yourself a step goal, wrap up warm and head out in the fresh air. It keeps us awake, fit and healthy. Take the time to enjoy looking at the scenery and listening to the birds.  
6. Jo - Find your green fingers Plant Broad Beans – because they are so easy to grow.  Pop one in a sheltered spot outdoors (cover it with a cloche made from a cut 1litre pop bottle) and watch it emerge within a week! It will grow about a metre high so be prepared to take it or tie it to the garden fence for support. Plant Sweet Peas – because they will flower all summer long. (start these indoors) Start to grow herbs from seed – parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme… these will grow happily in a pot once they have germinated inside. Prune the Roses (if you have them)  Feed the birds -  Sunflower seeds and beef suet are good energy stores for hungry cold birds.  Also don’t forget to leave some fresh water that isn’t frozen to attract songbirds. Keep a gardening journal - note when your plants start to grow and how well they do. Plant bulbs in the garden or a pot outdoors - like lilies, gladioli and dahlias. Have a tidy up in the garden - replace any broken pots and repair any trellis or fencing that may have blown down in the storms we’ve had. Inspect your houseplants - do they need repotting this Spring?  Give them a mist and check for any bugs or signs of disease. Sit outside, wrapped up in a blanket - enjoy the sunshine with a cup of hot chocolate (if we get any). 
7. Dan - Rate your day  I suggest rating your day. Sit down every evening and reflect on on what could've made your day better and try to improve each day as you go on so when lockdown ends, you can make the most of your free time. 
8. Michael - Blow the dust off a board game  You could have a family competition to see how many games you can win. Playing board games can strengthen relationships, it teaches you to set goals and be patient. I recommend Snakes and Ladders, Chess, Monopoly, and Ludo.  I recommend Monopoly because you can play for hours. If you have less time, I recommend Snakes and ladders.  
9. Miran -Take a photo a day Capture a moment that brings you joy every day, whether it's the view on your walk, the sun setting or your pet making you smile. Enjoy finding these little moments in every day.
10. Lewis - Learn something new every day I’ve decided to try and learn something new everyday over half term, why don’t you do the same? Learning something new can help reduce stress and boost your confidence. Learning can take your mind off other stressful things that you may be experiencing (including the obvious). You could challenge yourself to learn a language www.duolingo.com, try and play along while you’re watching a quiz show and beat the chaser, or learn some fun facts by checking out www.learnsomethingeveryday.co.uk