This week, our Year 5 children took part in Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, where the focus was on belonging and celebrating what makes each of us unique.
We began the week by talking about what belonging means. The children shared thoughtful ideas about feeling safe, accepted, and valued by friends, family, and our school community. We also discussed how everyone is different, and how those differences are something to be proud of.
As part of this learning, the children created a beautiful piece of artwork. They designed a map made up of images, colours and symbols that represent the places, people, hobbies, and memories that make them feel like they belong. These maps were all unique, just like the children themselves, and it was wonderful to see how much care and creativity went into them.
Throughout the week, we also focused on ways to look after our mental health. The children learned and practised whale breathing and star breathing. These calming techniques help us slow down our breathing and regulate our emotions when we are feeling angry, sad, worried or upset. The children were fantastic at practising these and talking about when they might use them in everyday life.
