Promoting Positive Mental Health In The Primary School

Mental health and wellbeing is a hugely important agenda in education, both nationally and internationally. Promoting Positive Mental Health in the Primary School unpacks scientific and psychological research and evidence to explain positive mental health through the lens of a primary classroom in the language of teaching professionals. Chapter by chapter, the book focuses on specific elements fundamental to positive mental health promotion in the classroom, including developing positive relationships, emotional literacy, empowering children as learners as well as the importance of teacher wellbeing, and illustrates how these can be achieved. It offers: An examination into the connection between positive mental health and good teaching Guidance underpinned by evidence for teachers and school leaders who wish to embed a consistent approach to positive mental health promotion Practical suggestions for whole school professional learning Written from first-hand experience in both teaching and research, this accessible text makes positive mental health promotion meaningful to teachers, helping them build understanding and move from theory into practice. It is an essential resource for all practising teachers, trainee teachers, school support staff and school leaders.

Is mental health provision a concern in your school? Are you looking to develop a whole school approach to mental health issues? Do you need targeted, evidence-informed strategies? This book emphasises the importance of creating a whole school culture which promotes a positive attitude towards mental health. Suitable for both primary and secondary school teachers and leaders, it provides you with concise, practical guidance to help improve your existing mental health provision, all backed by the latest research.

The narratives of the children and young people, school teachers and school leaders, parents and carers, policy makers and service managers, and mental health workers and professionals, presented in this book, should provide an invaluable resource for all those involved in mental health promotion in school. The insights drawn from these direct field experiences may help to inform policy and good practice and serve as an inspiration to schools in their efforts to introduce and promote mental health for their communities. Most of the chapters present original research carried out in schools, services, universities and other contexts across different cultures. Through various qualitative studies carried out in different cultural contexts, Mental Health Promotion in Schools provides a platform for children, teachers, school leaders, parents, professionals, policy makers and teacher educators, to express their views on what works and does not work in mental health promotion in school. In our continued quest for evidence based research, we may tend to underestimate the value and significance of capturing the views and experiences of those most directly involved in mental health promotion, such as children and young people, school teachers and parents/carers, in seeking to enhance policy and practice in the area. This book should be of particular interest to those involved in mental health promotion in school at practice, training and research levels and we are sure that among these chapters, they will discover many new and stimulating insights into the promotion of mental health in such complex systems as schools. “This is a timely book since mental health difficulties among children and young people are on the increase across the world. The editors, Carmel Cefai and Paul Cooper, are passionate about the crucial role to be played by schools in creating safe spaces in which to learn, develop and socialise. They have spent many years in the development of creative initiatives for the promotion of emotional health and well-being amongst young people. The editors bring an international perspective to the issue of mental health and youth and show how important it is to collaborate and share expertise and knowledge. Cefai and Cooper have assembled an impressive range of authors to share their knowledge and to show how initiatives can be adapted to a range of cultural contexts.” – Helen Cowie, Professor, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK

'Adrian Bethune is an inspiration and this book should be required reading for everyone involved in teaching young children.' - Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness, @actionhappiness This award-winning guide for teaching wellbeing and positive mental health in primary schools is packed with practical ideas for every classroom. This timely updated edition recognises the need for more guidance in schools following pupils' rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression due to the pandemic. Evidence has shown that happy people (those who experience more positive emotions) perform better in school, enjoy healthier relationships, are generally more successful and even live longer! Many schools and teachers are looking for accessible ways to address these mental health problems in young people, and this revised edition is the essential tool needed to support healthy emotional development in the primary classroom. The book includes new chapters on: - the importance of nature for health, behaviour and concentration, - digital wellbeing and helping children to navigate life online in a healthy way, - and includes updated statistics and research on mental health and wellbeing of children and teachers. In this must-read book, experienced teacher and advisor on children's wellbeing, Adrian Bethune, takes the latest evidence and research from the science of happiness and positive psychology and brings them to life. Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom is packed full of tried-and-tested activities and techniques, including mindfulness, positive reflection, physical activity and acts of kindness.

Comprehensive guidance and workable, evidence-informed strategies to support the mental well-being of those with leadership roles in schools and colleges.

Schools are now seen as being one of the key agents which can help redress society's most fundamental problems, create more cohesive communities and promote citizenship and a sense of social conscience in the young. Promoting Mental, Emotional and Social Health: A Whole School Approach provides a clear and practical overview of ways in which mainstream schools can promote the health of all those who work and learn in them. Supported by the latest new evidence from the UK and Europe as well as findings from the USA, it outlines and examines: * evidence that social and emotional learning and academic achievement can go hand in hand and that the same key factors underlie both happy and effective schools * the areas of school life that are the key to promoting social and affective health, including relationships with families and the community, management and the curriculum * the competencies that we all need to become more emotionally literate and relate to more effectively.

The stigma attached to mental health and the social barriers that surround it amplify its direct effects and damage the life chances of people with mental health problems. Department of Health (2011) Educating children and young people about mental health is of vital importance if we are to challenge the ignorance and stigma related to this area of health. Many young people will be living in families where an adult member may have mental health problems or indeed may be facing similar problems themselves. This book provides a comprehensive resource to help teachers deal sensitively with this important area. Part One provides an introduction and background information highlighting the need to tackle Mental Health in primary schools. The facts are startling - 10% of 10-16 year olds have a diagnosed mental health disorder, there is an increasing number of children self-harming and an alarming increase in early eating disorders. This section provides clear guidance on how to use the programme, including working with parents and answering questions children may ask. Part Two details a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation introducing staff to the programme. Part Three provides wide-ranging lesson materials with comprehensive teacher notes and including all the necessary copiable resources for using the programme from years 3 through to 6. Part Four has a Glossary of Terms as well as a valuable Resource Directory to direct the busy teacher to other useful sources of information. The accompanying downloadable resources include: activity pages; a model letter for parents; and, staff PowerPoint.

For many children, schools are the main or only providers of mental health services. In this visionary and comprehensive book, two nationally known experts describe a new approach to school-based mental health—one that better serves students, maximizes resources, and promotes academic performance. The authors describe how educators can effectively coordinate internal and external resources to support a healthy school environment and help at-risk students overcome barriers to learning. School leaders, psychologists, counselors, and policy makers will find essential guidance, including: • An overview of the history and current state of school mental health programs, discussing major issues confronting the field • Strategies for effective school-based initiatives, including addressing behavior issues, introducing classroom-based activities, and coordinating with community resources • A call to action for higher-quality mental health programming across public schools—including how collaboration, research, and advocacy can make a difference Gain the knowledge you need to develop or improve your school's mental health program to better serve both the academic and mental health needs of your students!