In BSB Sanlitun the wellbeing of our children is of the upmost importance and as a school we take care of the social, emotional, and physical needs of the children. The impact of Covid 19 in the classroom may have affected our children in different ways, so this year the focus on wellbeing and metal health is more important than ever.
Our teachers are working to give children the skills to identify their emotions and regulate their reaction to stress. We as a school play a vital role in the promotion of positive mental health in our students. We provide a safe and supportive environment for building life skills and resilience and a strong sense of self.
This year Nord Anglia will have an even greater focus on Wellbeing. On Global Campus, parents can find a dedicated section for Health & Wellbeing, where children can discover the latest wellbeing activities.
BSB Sanlitun has a whole school approach to wellbeing, involving the children and their teachers. The children will have twice a week wellbeing session, where they will learn skills such as breathing, mediation, techniques to calm anxiety, techniques to help with concentration, cultivating gratitude and more exercises.
In Toucan’s class on Tuesday, the children began their wellbeing session listening to a story called ‘The Lion’s Fear’. They learned about the importance of controlling your breathing when you are upset or frustrated, so that you can think more clearly. This was followed by a guided mediation where Miss Ashby made sure Toucans were relaxed, comfortable, calm and free from distractions or loud noises. She spoke to the children in a calm voice encouraging them to take deep breaths and notice how with each breath, their body felt calmer and their arms and legs relaxed. The session was finished with a discussion about how the children felt after, and how this technique could be used anywhere and at any time they felt like they needed to take control of their emotions.
You will notice that our termly homework grid now includes a wellbeing section. This term your child can explore simple meditation techniques suitable for different feelings or situations. Encourage your child to choose their meditation spot carefully, where they will be free from distractions and feel most calm and at ease. Why not take some time out of your day and join in with your child’s meditation activities?
Using mediations skills at home will be a useful way to help your child read and respond to internal signals of stress at home, before their developing brains and bodies give in to a full-blown tantrum. The key is intuiting what your child needs to come back into balance and encouraging them to use the tools they have been developing at school.
By Holly Ashby
Year 3 Toucans Teacher
Wellbeing Lead
