This resource supports teaching children and young people about mental health, wellbeing, resilience, and interpersonal skills. It was written with support from the Beeby Fellowship funded by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO and NZCER. Teachers will discover ways to enhance student learning in four broad areas: personal identity and wellbeing communication and relationships with others social issues and social justice (especially against discrimination and exclusion) health promotion and action. The lesson plans work for multiple year and curriculum levels, and are particularly useful for Years 711 health education. Teachers will find relevant content for the following health education topics: personal identity and enhancing self-worth stress management friendships, relationships, and communication effects of discrimination and stereotyping on mental health support of self and others during times of difficulty equity issues that support the mental health of others and society help-seeking drug education and alcohol education (for example, the content on assertive communication, decision making, personal values) leadership and effective communication. The activities can be extended for senior secondary students and modified to be accessible for students at lower levels. Notes throughout explain how teachers can adapt, apply, and use the activities and ideas to achieve the intended learning outcomes and develop key competencies. Each section begins with specific achievement objectives, but teachers are free to develop their own. For this reason, achievement objectives for each activity are not specified. Instead, teachers can use the matrix showing links with the New Zealand Curriculum

Emphasising not just mental health needs, but also the importance of creating a culture of inclusion for all pupils so that all pupils develop high self-esteem, emotional intelligence, social confidence and resilience, this book provides: an introduction to key theories that relate to mental health; an overview of the current context in relation to mental health in schools; guidance on the identification of pupils with mental health needs; evidence-based research on interventions to support pupils with mental health needs; an assessment tool which will support teachers in identifying needs and planning subsequent interventions; case studies of practice from a primary school and early years setting. Based on action research which has been implemented in a primary school, this important text is valuable reading for students on teacher training courses, and practising primary school teachers.

The stigma attached to mental health and the social barriers that surround it amplify its direct effects and damage the life chances of people with mental health problems. Department of Health (2011) Educating children and young people about mental health is of vital importance if we are to challenge the ignorance and stigma related to this area of health. Many young people will be living in families where an adult member may have mental health problems or indeed may be facing similar problems themselves. This book provides a comprehensive resource to help teachers deal sensitively with this important area. Part One provides an introduction and background information highlighting the need to tackle Mental Health in primary schools. The facts are startling - 10% of 10-16 year olds have a diagnosed mental health disorder, there is an increasing number of children self-harming and an alarming increase in early eating disorders. This section provides clear guidance on how to use the programme, including working with parents and answering questions children may ask. Part Two details a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation introducing staff to the programme. Part Three provides wide-ranging lesson materials with comprehensive teacher notes and including all the necessary copiable resources for using the programme from years 3 through to 6. Part Four has a Glossary of Terms as well as a valuable Resource Directory to direct the busy teacher to other useful sources of information. The accompanying downloadable resources include: activity pages; a model letter for parents; and, staff PowerPoint.

One of the five books in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit, this practical resource is designed to help young children understand how the brain affects ways we see and interpret the world. The book offers research-driven, practical strategies, resources and lesson plans to support educators and health professionals. Key sections include 'How the brain develops'; 'Dealing with the inner critic' and 'Strategies that can help us manage strong emotions'. A Complete toolkit for teachers and councillors, this book offers: Easy to follow, and flexible, lesson plans that can be adapted and personalised for use in lessons or smaller groups or 1:1 work Resources that are linked to the PSHE and Wellbeing curriculum for KS1, KS2 and KS3 New research, 'Circles for Learning', where the introduction of baby observation into the classroom by a teacher is used to understand and develop self-awareness, skills for learning, relationships, neuroscience and awareness of others Learning links, learning objectives and reflection questions. This book is an essential resource for practitioners looking to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the children and young people in their care; both now and in the future.