Core Skills Analysis
Personal Development and Wellbeing
- Understanding the concept of therapy as a supportive process to address emotional or mental health challenges.
- Recognizing the importance of seeking help and communicating feelings in a structured environment.
- Learning about emotions, self-awareness, and coping strategies that can be developed through therapy.
- Gaining insight into the role of a therapist and the collaborative nature of therapeutic sessions.
Social and Emotional Learning
- Developing empathy by imagining the experience and feelings involved in attending therapy.
- Improving communication skills by potentially discussing personal thoughts and feelings during or after therapy.
- Building resilience and confidence in managing mental health proactively.
- Enhancing understanding of mental health destigmatization and the normalization of seeking help.
Tips
To deepen the student’s understanding of therapy and emotional wellbeing, consider exploring books or stories that model talking about feelings and seeking help. Role-playing different scenarios about expressing emotions can enhance empathy and communication skills. Introduce creative journaling or drawing activities where the student expresses their own emotions and thoughts, reinforcing self-awareness. Facilitating discussions about different ways people support their mental health, including therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, will broaden perspectives on wellness.
Book Recommendations
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst: A comforting story about the invisible connections between loved ones, helping children understand feelings of separation and emotional connection.
- Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia: An illustrated book that helps children recognize and interpret their emotions through body awareness.
- I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont: A joyful book encouraging self-acceptance and confidence, important themes related to emotional wellbeing.
Learning Standards
- PSHE Association Framework: Health and wellbeing – Mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- UK National Curriculum Science KS1 & KS2: Recognising the importance of mental wellbeing (Statutory Section).
- English KS1 & KS2: Developing speaking and listening skills through discussion of feelings.
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE): Understanding and managing emotions and building positive relationships.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Emotions and Coping Strategies—identify common feelings and list ways to manage them effectively.
- Drawing task: Create a 'Feelings Wheel' illustrating different emotions and situations that may lead to them.
Growth Beyond Academics
This activity supports growing emotional intelligence by encouraging openness to discussing feelings and understanding the benefits of asking for help. It helps build resilience and destigmatizes mental health challenges, promoting confidence and self-awareness in emotional regulation.