5 + 5 Activity Resource (No. 11) – 5 Independent & 5 Cooperative Learning Activities to Try

Welcome to week 11 of our 5+5 Activity Guides.

 

Each week as I prepare our 5+5 Activity Guides, I consider upcoming events and celebrations and things that are happening in the news. In these stressful times we are in, I try to include some suggestions that are fun and lighthearted, but that does not detract from my belief that education is a serious matter. It is imperative we give our children the best education possible and that, through our example, we raise them to be the best people possible. Sometimes, to do this means confronting topics that are uncomfortable for us.

 

The murder of George Floyd by the police this week was a result of hatred and racism. It is imperative we are active in the fight against oppression, injustice and hatred. Educating our children about this is vital. I urge you this begin (or continue) this important conversation with your children this week.

 

In a departure from my usual 5+5 Activity Guide format, I have created a page of resources specifically to support parents in teaching about race and racism. I have done this so that it is easy to find and refer back to again and again. Get them here: Actively Raising Anti-Racist Children

 

I have also decided to trial a new format for our CardEd weekly activities and plan to post one per day this week. I will upload here and on Instagram (Follow me @dumondeducation!) 

 

 

I believe this format will really suit parents wanting some quick daily thinking challenges! I am using cards from CardEd set 3, so there will be some new and different challenges for your child. As always, I’d love to hear your feedback!

With these changes explained, let’s look at the activity ideas for this week. A new month begins and a few awareness days fall this week, so I’ve found lots of great ideas and resources to share with you!

 

Cooperative Learning Activities

 

Race and racism

Find resources for teaching about race and racism in this post – Actively Raising Anti-Racist Children.

 

CardEd

Look out for daily CardEd challenges here and on Instagram @dumondeducation

 

Children’s Rights/Human Rights

The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. There is also a Children’s Day on November 20^th which is probably more well-known and marked.

 

• Why not begin this June 1^st by sharing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? Here is a child-friendly version. You could discuss a few of the rights each day throughout the month.

• There are some useful ideas in this document for ways to explore the rights with children. Although written for a classroom context, many of them can be adapted for use at home.

• The theme of rights ties in nicely with addressing issues of racism and oppression. Speaking of oppression, June is also Pride Month. Learn more about the origins of Pride here.

• Find lessons and activities on:

  • LGBT+ has lots of resources here, including this detailed teaching pack 

  • Woojr 

  • LGBTRC

  • Find book recommendations for young children and for older children 

  • Get advice on addressing “That’s so gay” comments in this post

 

 

P.E.

June 3^rd  is World Bicycle Day. Why not get out for a family cycle?

 

 

 

Conversation Questions

With a new month upon us, I have created a new conversation starter resource. The attached poster features 20 questions to get families talking and boost your child’s oracy.

 

 

 

Independent Learning Activities

 

English

As we explore issues of rights and racism, we begin to think about ourselves, our identities, our beliefs etc. A huge element of our identity and individuality is tied up in our names. Does your child know the significance of their name?

• This comprehension and writing challenge is a great resource upon which your child can base an exploration of their name.

• This interesting New Yorker article on the signals your name sends is a worthwhile read and should form the basis for some very interesting discussions.

• Have you ever wanted to change your name?

 

 

• Do you know what an aptronym is? An aptronym, aptonym or euonym is a personal name aptly or peculiarly suited to its owner. “People whose names and occupations or situations (e.g., workplace) have a close correspondence,” according to Frank Nuessel. Think William Wordsworth (poet), Usain Bolt (sprinter) or Sara Blizzard (meteorologist).

  • Can you think of any others?

  • Can you invent a character with an aptonym?

 

Mindfulness

The June Action for Happiness calendar has been released! Entitled Joyful June (even in difficult times, the prompts are designed to support you in finding something good each day.

 

 

 

Your child may also enjoy trying some of the activities from this ELSA Wellbeing calendar.

 

 

 

Maths

Zorbit Maths have released their June calendar here.

 

 

 

World Environment Day

June 5^th is World Environment Day. Encourage your child to look at this schedule of events, challenges and webinars and choose some to engage with. They run throughout the week, and the page will be updated as more are added.

 

STEM – Environmental Education

This post features 22 projects related to recycling, stewardship, conservation, sustainability, and environmental awareness, but there are many other science projects available on this site. Encourage your child to choose one to investigate this week.

 

So, that’s it! The week 11 5+5 Activity Guide is complete. I hope you find it helpful.

 

Take care and stay safe all!