Building connections Year 6 lesson plan

Developed with teachers, this lesson supports pupils to understand that it's normal to feel lonely, but there are strategies they can use to safely build connections with family, friends and their community.

Pupils also think about how they can look out for others who might be feeling lonely.

Curriculum

Supports the Relationships Education and Health Education statutory guidance

Mental wellbeing

Pupils should have the opportunity to learn:

• isolation and loneliness can affect children and that it is very important for children to discuss their feelings with an adult and seek support
• that there is a normal range of emotions (for example happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, nervousness) and scale of emotions that all humans experience in relation to different experiences and situations
• the benefits of physical exercise, time outdoors, community participation, voluntary and service-based activity on mental wellbeing and happiness
• simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests

Supports the PSHE curriculum

Core Theme 1 (Health and wellbeing)

• H15 - that mental health, just like physical health, is part of daily life – the importance of taking care of mental health
• H16 - about strategies and behaviours that support mental health, including how good quality sleep, physical exercise/time outdoors, being involved in community groups, doing things for others, clubs, and activities, hobbies and spending time with family and friends can support mental health and wellbeing
• H24 - problem-solving strategies for dealing with emotions, challenges and change, including the transition to new schools

Core Theme 2 (Relationships)

• R13 - the importance of seeking support if feeling lonely or excluded
• R14 - that healthy friendships make people feel included, recognise when others may feel lonely or excluded, strategies for how to include them

Learning outcomes

After the lesson, pupils will be able to:​

• explain what loneliness means
• explain what connection means
• give advice to a young person who wants to feel more connected