Children's Mental Health Week - KS2

Children's Mental Health Week is a time to learn how to take care of our minds and bodies.

It helps us understand our feelings and how to stay happy and healthy.

It's important to talk about how we feel, ask for help when we need it and do activities that help us feel better.

Watch - What is mental health?

Mental health is how we feel, think and act. Watch this video to learn how to look after our mental health.

You may not always feel happy and calm all of the time. It is normal to sometimes feel sad, stressed or worried.

People experience lots of different feelings and emotions.

There are also many different ways that you can help yourself and others to feel better.

Have a look at the information and activities below to learn more.

Mental wellbeing

If you feel stressed or anxious, speak to a friend, parent, carer or teacher about how you are feeling.

There are also steps you can take to feel calmer such as:

• Breathing exercises

• Doing a relaxing activity, such as mindful colouring

• Spending time in nature

Emotional wellbeing

If you feel low, there are things you can try to help boost your mood. Doing activities you enjoy can make a big difference, such as:

• Spending time with friends or family

• Listening to music

• Singing

• Watching a comedy show

Learn more ways to practise mental and emotional wellbeing skills

School and friendships

Connecting with others is good for your wellbeing because it helps you feel like you belong. At school, you can make friends with classmates who share your interests. Friends support and encourage each other.

Joining activities, like after-school clubs, is also a great way to meet new people and make friends. Sometimes, nasty comments or bullying can affect confidence and wellbeing, so it’s important to talk to a trusted adult for support if this happens.

Discover more on KS2 PSHE

Take a look at these articles to learn more about keeping your mind and body healthy.

Leaving primary school

After making friends in primary school, the thought of leaving and moving to secondary school might make you feel a little worried.

Change can be unsettling, but it can also be an exciting chance to meet new people and learn new things.

Learn more ways to cope with leaving primary school

You can find more information about what to expect and what the main differences are between primary and secondary school by following this link:

Coping with exam stress

Some aspects of school can be stressful. For example, doing exams or tests can seem scary at the time.

It's important not to worry too much and to remember to look after yourself.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to friends, family or a trusted adult. They can help you feel more supported.

Activity - Crystal Explorers game

Have a go at this fun English game, the perfect way to prepare for your KS2 SATs.

Discover more on KS2 SATs

Have a look at these links to discover some top tips to support you with SATs.

Everybody feels sad or worried sometimes. This is normal.

Being creative can help you feel more positive.

One way you can be creative is through mindfulness.

Learn more about this with the information and activities below.

Mindful activities

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, instead of worrying about the past or future.

It helps reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging you to pay attention to what's happening right now, rather than what might be worrying you.

There are lots of mindful activities you can try, such as:

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Colouring
• Drawing or painting
• Doing a jigsaw puzzle
• Gardening

You could try out different activities to find out which you enjoy most and which helps take your mind off things.

Activity - Mindful colouring

Take some time and create your own Talavera tile with this mindful colouring sheet.

Eating healthily and exercise are good for your body and your mental health.

What you eat can affect your mood and how much energy you have.

Have a look at the information and activities below to learn ways to stay healthy.

Keeping our bodies healthy

Feeling physically healthy can often impact your mental health. It is not just exercise than can help you feel good.

There are other steps you can take to help such as:

• Getting enough sleep

• Eating healthily

• Drinking enough water

Being active

Moving your body can boost your feel-good hormones, which helps you feel more positive. You could try:

• Going for a walk

• Dancing

• Following an exercise video

• Playing a team sport

Being active really pays off! Here are some examples of the amount of energy a child in primary school would roughly use doing different activities for 15 minutes.

Discover more with Super Movers

Have a look at these videos to keep fit and well, while having fun at the same time!

Discover more on KS2 Design and Technology

Take a look at these articles to learn more ways to stay active and eat healthily.

You can find many more amazing resources on mental health and wellbeing from Bitesize for teachers.

You can find many more amazing resources from around the BBC.

Follow the links below for more information on Children's Mental Health Week.