The activities, lesson plans and assembly plans in this toolkit - which meet the learning objectives for the PSHE curriculum - will help children to think about who they are as a person, recognise what they are good at, identify positives things about themselves, learn from their experiences and set goals. There are also activities to support staff wellbeing. For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

This simple board game explores common scenarios that children may encounter in their day-to-day life at home or at school, and the resilience they may need for tackling them. When children land on different squares of the board, they will pick up a card. The card will either explain a scenario which demonstrates resilience, or it will give them an opportunity to make a choice from three options. they may move forward two spaces, one space, or stay where they are depending on how much resilience their choice displays. Through the game, the children should begin to develop an understanding of resilience in common situations which they can then apply to their own lives. This resource is designed for: Children aged 4+ Use in pairs or small groups We have included cut-out counters and a six-sided die in this resource, or you may want to use your own. For more resources, go to www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

This toolkit has been specially designed for World Mental Health Day, and provides primary schools with a range of practical resources to help inform and boost wellbeing for pupils and staff. It includes : Posters Classroom activities Lesson plans Assembly plan Mindfulness exercises Tools and guidance Videos and animations For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

Using a feelings thermometer is a great tool to help children recognise what feelings they might be experiencing in any given moment. A useful strategy to help children deal with anxiety is for them to become aware of what level their anxiety is. If they can develop an understanding of their anxiety or worries, then this is the first step in learning strategies to manage or cope better. Anxiety can be triggered by different situations, and so using this tool can also help children recognise what situations make them feel more anxious or worried than others. Using this resource This resource is designed to be used with an individual child, aged 7 or above. Prior to using this resource with a child, please read through our pages on anxiety, and guidance for delivering short activities, to ensure you have a good understanding of how to use the resources safely.

This resource teaches children about resilience and the steps they may need to take to achieve their goals. The ladder format is designed to break down goals into smaller, achievable steps, and develop a growth mindset in children. Breaking down a goal in this way helps children realise that it is how we process and deal with setbacks that let us develop resilience. This resource is designed for: children aged 4+ use with individual children The resource includes a blank resilience ladder for you to work through the child with, as well as an example that they can refer to if needed. For more resources, go to www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

These printable templates, split up by age, use the concept of superheroes to encourage children to explore their own superpowers, qualities and talents. There are three templates included, designed for children aged 4 to 5, 5 to 7 and 7 to 11. What the children create could then be shared with their next teacher as a transition activity or kept to reflect on their strengths. This resource is designed for: children aged 4-11 use with individual children, small groups or whole classes For more resources, go to www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

The emotion wheel can be used with children of all ages who are struggling to express their current feelings. By identifying an image they can convey their current feelings. Using the wheel regularly throughout the day will help children and young people see the changing nature of their feelings and can help reduce anxiety around feeling a certain way

Our sixth coronavirus toolkit is full of resilience-building resources for children, school staff and parents and carers. When we experience sudden or unsettling change, one thing that can help us cope is resilience. Resilience helps us deal with the emotions a new situation may cause, and helps us bounce back from difficulties we might encounter. Being resilient is an emotional skill and is something we can develop and build, both as children and as adults. The resources in this toolkit are all about resilience and coping with change, which we hope will be useful for children, school staff and parents and carers alike. As some schools prepare to see more pupils return, building and nurturing resilience will be more important than ever. Suitable for: early years children Key Stage 1 pupils Key Stage 2 pupils school staff parents and carers. Find more coronavirus resources and toolkits on Mentally Healthy Schools.

This activity allows pupils to set goals for the future academic year, reflect on themselves, their strengths and their weaknesses and practice letter writing. This “Getting to know me” activity includes an activity plan for teachers, a printable letter template for pupils to write a letter to their future selves and a printable envelope to put the letter in. There is one letter template for all pupils and one for pupils working at lower key stage 2 and for those with SEND. For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

These tools are designed to help children understand and manage their emotions and feelings, and stay calm and in control in the classroom. There are three tools included in this resource: a coping skills wheel, to give children different strategies for coping with difficult situations a strengths and weaknesses chart and control circle, to help children understand their own strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for development a focus plan, to help children stay calm and focused in the classroom Using this resource This resource is designed for: children aged 7 and up use with individual pupils Find more resources at www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

This toolkit has been created to help prevent bullying in primary schools, empower bystanders and support children who are bullies or have been bullied. It is ready to use for Anti-Bullying Week from 11th-15th November. The free toolkit includes: Activities Videos and animations Worksheets Lesson plans Assemblies and workshops Information and advice Guidance for school staff For more primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

Celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 and this year’s theme of ‘let’s connect’ with our free toolkits of resources for primary, secondary and FE settings. Children’s Mental Health Week starts on 6th February, and this year the theme is ‘let’s connect’, looking at the importance that connections with others have on our mental health. Healthy relationships with family, friends and others are vital for children’s wellbeing, offering a strong protective factor against poor mental health. Connections within a school setting are also very important – pupils should feel that they belong to, and are a valued part of, a school community. Their relationships with adults in the school should be positive, consistent, and based on trust and mutual respect. In this toolkit, we’re sharing free resources to help you explore the theme of connections with your pupils, and celebrate the week in your setting.

This is a two-week calendar with daily mindfulness activity suggestions. The simple, short activities encourage children to focus on what’s around them to find a sense of calm. These simple mindfulness activities are designed to help pupils relax physically and emotionally. Pupils should be encouraged to do them regularly with the support of an adult, and when confident can independently practice as part of their self care plan. This resource is designed for: children aged 3 and up use with individual children, small groups or whole classes The activities within the calendar will take approximately five minutes and can be done at home or in school. You can display this poster in your classroom or staff room, and use the accompany guidance for instructions on how to deliver the activities. You can run these activities whenever you like, for example at the start of lessons, or after playtime, to help ground and relax the children.

This written resource supports children and young people not only express their feelings but identify why they are feeling a particular way. When these feelings are positive children can refer back to activities that took place that day to help them practice self care. The resource can also be used to support conversation with children and young people on strategies to improve wellbeing, alongside being shared with parents and carers for a further insight into their child’s thoughts and feelings. Prior to using this resource with a child, please read through our guidance for delivering short activities, to ensure you have a good understanding of how to use the resources safely.

Help your pupils prepare for a new class or school with this assembly, which uses the concept of going on a trip to get them thinking about what they might need for their new adventure. This resource is designed for: Children aged 5 to 11 Whole classes or year groups To run this assembly, we would suggest using some props, like: A suitcase A passport or a photo of one Some suncream Sunglasses A guidebook Some items that aren’t suitable for a summer holiday, like hiking boots or a thick jumper You’ll also need a whiteboard or flipchart paper. This assembly can be used in conjunction with our transition passport resource. Find more activities at www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

This passport activity encourages children to select and present their most relevant characteristics and features to share with their new teacher to support their transition. Transition activities are a great way to support children in the progression through their academic life. This passport activity will help their teacher understand more about their future students and their experiences in school. In light of the coronavirus crisis, many children may be unable to have the chance to complete their last year of school as planned. They may not be able to visit their new school and teachers as they would usually. We have made this resource editable to allow children to complete this digitally at home, so it can be sent electronically to their new teacher or school. Using the resource This resource is designed for use with: Children aged 5 to 11 With whole classes Find more activities at www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

Brain breaks are mental and physical activities to break up a period of concentration. These brain breaks may be particular useful after spending long periods sitting or using technology. The brain break may be relaxing or energizing, but they are always intended to get the body and mind going and help children focus once they return to normal classroom activities. Using this resource This resource is designed for: children of all ages use with a whole class Depending of the age of the children, the brain breaks could be used every hour or less for around five minutes. Try to use a variety, and fit them well to the mood and situation. For example, you should choose an active brain break if the previous activity is sedentary, or a maths-related one if you have been studying a different topic. For more resoures, go to www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources

A free, colouring in activity for KS1 and KS2 that can help children to focus on the present, and encourages them to think of a positive word to describe themselves. For more free, primary mental health resources visit www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

This toolkit includes resources for school staff, parents and carers and children to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis. You will find practical activities such as mindful crafts, breathing exercises and other self-care ideas, informative videos, emotional expression worksheets and helpful strategies to address anxiety. Suitable for: Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils, school staff, parents and carers. #coronavirus #covid19 #mentalhealth #wellbeing #anxiety

This appreciation circle activity encourages children to appreciate positive attributes and qualities in everyone, recognising differences and similarities and building friendships. An appreciation circle may be a useful activity for supporting a particular child with self-esteem issues, or a good activity for the whole class to complete together. This resource is designed for: children aged 4 to 11 use with a whole class or small groups For more resources, go to www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk