Lesson Plan: Planning for Choices and Changes - Mental Health Focus
Subject: Health and Wellbeing Topic: Planning for choices and changes Curriculum Level: Early Level (Scotland)
Desired Outcome: In everyday activity and play, I explore and make choices to develop my learning and interests. I am encouraged to use and share my experiences.
Focus: Mental Health
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Resources: - Picture cards depicting different activities and choices - Large chart paper or whiteboard - Markers - Storybook about emotions (e.g., “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain) - Art supplies (colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.) - Worksheet (included at the end of the lesson plan)
Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by gathering the students in a circle and asking them how they feel today. Encourage them to share their emotions and discuss why they might be feeling that way. 2. Introduce the topic of mental health by explaining that mental health is about how we feel on the inside and how we take care of our minds. 3. Show the students the picture cards depicting different activities and choices. Explain that today, they will be learning about making choices that can positively impact their mental health.
Main Activity (20 minutes): 1. Display the large chart paper or whiteboard and divide it into two columns labeled “Positive Choices” and “Negative Choices.” 2. Show the students one picture card at a time and ask them to decide whether the activity depicted is a positive or negative choice for their mental health. 3. Engage the students in a discussion about each activity, encouraging them to explain their reasoning for categorizing it as positive or negative. 4. After discussing each activity, place the picture card in the appropriate column on the chart paper or whiteboard. 5. Once all the picture cards have been discussed and categorized, review the chart with the students, emphasizing the importance of making positive choices for their mental health.
Storytelling and Reflection (10 minutes): 1. Read a storybook about emotions, such as “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain, to the students. 2. After reading the story, facilitate a discussion about the different emotions depicted in the book. Ask the students to share times when they have felt similar emotions. 3. Encourage the students to reflect on how their choices and activities can influence their emotions and mental health.
Art Activity (5 minutes): 1. Distribute art supplies to the students. 2. Instruct them to create a drawing or artwork that represents a positive choice they can make to support their mental health. 3. Allow the students to share their artwork with the class, explaining their choices and how it relates to mental health.
Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of making positive choices for mental health. 2. Distribute the worksheet (included at the end of the lesson plan) to each student. 3. Instruct the students to complete the worksheet by drawing or writing about a positive choice they will make to support their mental health. 4. Collect the completed worksheets for assessment purposes.
Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during discussions and activities. - Review completed worksheets to assess students’ understanding of positive choices for mental health.
Extension Activities: 1. Encourage students to create a class “Positive Choices” poster, featuring their artwork and additional positive choices for mental health. 2. Invite a mental health professional or counselor to speak to the class about the importance of mental health and making positive choices. 3. Incorporate mindfulness or relaxation exercises into daily routines to promote mental well-being.
Worksheet: Positive Choices for Mental Health
Instructions: Draw or write about a positive choice you will make to support your mental health.
Example: Positive Choice: Spending time with my family and talking about my feelings.
[Blank space for students to complete]
Note: The worksheet can be customized based on the students’ abilities and preferences.