Self-Discovery Supporting Emotional Health and Wellbeing in School

One of the five books in the Mental Health and Wellbeing TeacherToolkit, this practical resource focuses on how to support children and young people on a voyage of self-discovery, as they learn to be their own best friend. The book offers research-driven, practical strategies, along with creativematerial and step-by-step lesson plans to support educators and health professionals. This is a resource book for practitioners looking to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the children and young people in their care; both now and in the future. Chapters span key topics including Developing Resilience, Positive Thinking, Emotional Awareness and Self-Efficacy. A complete toolkit for teachers and counsellors, this book offers: Easy to follow and flexible lesson plans that can be adapted and personalised for use in lessons or smaller groups or 1:1 work Resources that are linked to the PSHE and Wellbeing curriculum for KS1, KS2 and KS3 New research, ‘Circles for Learning’, where the introduction of baby observation into the classroom by a teacher is used to understand and develop self-awareness, skills for learning, relationships, neuroscience and awareness of others Sections on the development of key skills in communication, skills for learning, collaboration, empathy and self-confidence Learning links, learning objectives and reflection questions. Offering research-driven, practical strategies and lesson plans, Self Discovery is an essential resource book for educators and health professionals looking for fresh, engaging ways to support the wellbeing of children and young people.

Introduction Chapter 1 Developing resilience Chapter 2 Problem solving Chapter 3 Emotional reactivity Chapter 4 Positive thinking Chapter 5 Emotional awareness and self-regulation Chaoter 6 Empathy Chapter 7 Self-efficacy and responsibility Bibliography

Alison Waterhouse has worked in mainstream, special education and the independent sector for the past 30 years, specialising in working with children with AEN including Mental Health and Wellbeing. She has set up and developed an Independent Therapeutic Special School, developed a role as Teacher in Charge of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Whole School Community and has been an Inclusion Manager and Deputy Head in mainstream schools. She now works as an Independent Educational Consultant for SEN and Wellbeing, is involved in staff training and has her own Educational Psychotherapy practice. Alison works with children who are referred due to difficulties with self-esteem, anger, anxiety, depression and other Mental Health needs as well as children with learning differences. Alison is developing the ‘Circles for Learning’ Project in schools and has already undertaken a Primary Research Project and is now working on a Secondary Research Project. The resources were put together to support staff with these projects.