Self-care – KS1 lesson plan

Developed with teachers and NHS-approved, this lesson explores what self-care is. After considering the "ways to wellbeing" including connect, be active, learning, kindness, take notice, play and creativity, pupils try out different self-care activities and create a wellbeing plan for someone.

A "Guidance for teachers" document contains details on how to link mental wellbeing lesson plans to school-wide approaches in place around social and emotional learning.

Curriculum

Supports the Relationships and Health Education curriculum

By the end of primary school, pupils should know:

• that mental wellbeing is a normal part of daily life, in the same way as physical health
• 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
• isolation and loneliness can affect children and that it is very important for children to discuss their feelings with an adult and seek support

Supports the PSHE curriculum

KS1 – Pupils learn:

• H17 – about things that help people feel good (for example, playing outside, doing things they enjoy, spending time with family, getting enough sleep)  
• H18 – different things they can do to manage big feelings, to help calm themselves down and/or change their mood when they do not feel good

Learning outcomes

After this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• identify different things that can help people feel good
• show how behaviours can make people feel
• suggest things they can do to help themselves feel good