Mental Health Week is an important time for everyone in a school setting, including both teachers and children. It’s a chance to focus on well-being, learn more about mental health, and promote practices that help manage stress and anxiety.

Here are some ways to celebrate Mental Health Week with teachers and children in an early years setting:

For Teachers:

Well-being Workshops: Organize workshops or seminars on mental health topics. These could be led by mental health professionals and cover topics such as managing stress, mindfulness, self-care techniques, and how to recognize signs of mental distress.

Peer Support: Encourage staff to take breaks and spend time chatting and supporting one another. Create a safe space where teachers can talk openly about their feelings and challenges.

Professional Development: Provide resources for teachers to learn more about children’s mental health, such as how to recognize signs of anxiety or depression in students, and how to support them.

For Children:

Mindfulness Activities: Teach children simple mindfulness techniques, like focusing on their breath or doing a body scan.

Emotions Chart: Use an emotions chart to help children learn to identify and express their feelings.

Physical Activities: Organize physical activities to help children understand the importance of regular exercise for mental health.

It’s important to create an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, emphasizing that everyone can experience difficult emotions and it’s okay to talk about them.