Forward Plan for Health and Wellbeing: Mental, Emotional, Social, and Physical Wellbeing

Desired Outcome: I am aware of and able to express my feelings and am developing the ability to talk about them.

Target Audience: Early Level (Nursery to P1)

Focus: Mental Health

Introduction: This forward plan aims to promote mental health and wellbeing among early-level learners in accordance with the Scottish Curriculum. By focusing on developing their ability to recognize and express their feelings, we aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their emotional growth.

Key Areas of Focus: 1. Developing Emotional Vocabulary: - Introduce a range of emotions through stories, songs, and role-play activities. - Encourage children to identify and label their own emotions. - Provide visual aids, such as emotion cards, to help children express their feelings.

1. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment:
   • Establish clear rules and expectations for respectful communication and emotional expression.
   • Encourage active listening and empathy among peers.
   • Foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the classroom.
2. Promoting Emotional Regulation:
   • Teach simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and stretching exercises.
   • Provide a designated quiet area where children can go to calm down and reflect.
   • Encourage the use of positive self-talk and affirmations.
3. Building Communication Skills:
   • Incorporate regular circle time or group discussions to share feelings and experiences.
   • Use puppets or soft toys to facilitate conversations about emotions.
   • Model effective communication by expressing and validating emotions in a respectful manner.
4. Engaging Families and the Wider Community:
   • Share resources and information with families to support emotional development at home.
   • Invite parents/guardians to participate in workshops or information sessions on mental health.
   • Collaborate with local mental health organizations to provide additional support and resources.

Implementation Strategies: 1. Staff Training: - Provide professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their understanding of early-level mental health and wellbeing. - Offer training on effective communication strategies and emotional regulation techniques.

1. Curriculum Integration:
   • Embed mental health and wellbeing into various areas of the curriculum, such as literacy, numeracy, and expressive arts.
   • Incorporate relevant themes and activities into daily routines and lesson plans.
2. Resources and Materials:
   • Create a dedicated area within the classroom with books, posters, and visual aids related to emotions and mental health.
   • Develop a collection of age-appropriate stories and resources that promote emotional literacy.
3. Assessment and Evaluation:
   • Regularly assess children’s progress in recognizing and expressing their feelings.
   • Use observation, self-assessment, and peer feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the forward plan.
   • Adjust strategies and activities based on feedback and individual needs.

Conclusion: By implementing this forward plan, we aim to create a positive and supportive learning environment where early-level learners can develop their emotional literacy and express their feelings confidently. Through collaboration with families and the wider community, we can ensure a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing, setting a strong foundation for their future emotional growth and resilience.