Back to School 2020: PSHE w/ Mindfulness

2+ hours of teaching content for PSHE with a focus on student wellbeing and mental health upon returning to school in 2020. Developed by a children’s PSHE/mindfulness teacher, resources and techniques are tried and tested, making for a calming start back after a difficult year. This would make for a fantastic welcome back PSHE morning, setting a precedent for the kind of emotional intelligence and regulation that you hope to foster within the classroom. The topics and activities are key to any kind of recovery curriculum you’re hoping to put in place.

The Session runs as follows:

• We tune into the present moment through a Breathing Space mindfulness meditation.
• Digging deeper, we consider the feelings/emotions that we have experienced recently and today, trying out Dr. Dan Siegel’s ‘name it to tame it’ method.
• We consider the ups and downs of happiness overall and specifically in 2020, completing our own happiness chart.
• Working in groups, we brainstorm strategies to boost our moods.
• In pairs, we take part in a cutting and sticking task based on the circle of control and deciding what we can and cannot control right now.
• We try an individual and team Gratitude Bomb, with a focus on 2020.
• Finally, we reflect on our learning/mindset.

Activities are designed so that staff can pick up and use, with guidance provided to support delivery in the notes section of the powerpoint. Resources for various activities are also provided. These activities are well-suited to KS2 or KS3, with extension tasks throughout and tips as to how to use with younger children.

Jo Steer is a former Primary/Secondary teacher, trained in Mindfulness, YogaKidz, CBT essentials & Forest School practice. She is a TES Wellbeing Columnist & works in schools delivering bespoke wellbeing workshops and upgraded PSHE. See www.skillswithfrills.com to learn more!