Mental Health Awareness Week

This week we have been busy promoting Mental Health. We have been so busy taking part in a variety of activities that has gave us the confidence to explore and express our feelings, talk about other peoples feelings and building on our own confidence to love ourselves. On Monday, we introduced our 'calming corner' where we have enjoyed listening to relaxing music while sharing books and colouring. We have also enjoyed a 'positive friendship' sessions where in pairs we shared something nice about each-other and took part in pair co-ordinations to different rhymes. We also started a positivity jar, where each child has chosen to add something positive to say. We fill up the jar and keep looking back at these positive vibes when we need them most. Of course as its children's mental health, it's really important to us at St.Mark's Preschool to make sure the people who are shaping those little minds are looked after so we treated our staff members to some flowers, a candle and a face mask so they know how important they are to us! On Tuesday and Wednesday the children worked hard to make their very own candle holders to take home and share with their families. We enhanced our dough station with some relaxing herbs, 'A' told us they didn't like the smells but 'N' told us that he did - this was a great talking point for how different people feels and think but neither are right or wrong! On Wednesday we dressed to impress! We invited the children to chose what they wore at preschool that day that best's expresses themselves. It was great to see a variety of outfits... we had pyjamas, casual comfy clothes, fancy dress costumes and some very expressive hairstyles. Thursday we took part in some calming yoga and enhanced our dough station and water with some lemons and lavender. On Friday we ended the week by inviting the children to come dressed as a superhero! We thought this was a perfect way for our children to think about and understand unique and special each of of them really are! We started off the day with the question "What's your superhero power?" Each child told us the superpower of the superhero they was dressed as. the day went on and we helped the children to realise and appreciate that everyone has their own special super power and they should be so proud of that power! We have had a wonderful week celebrating Mental health Week and knowing our children had lots of fun while recognising, learning about and understanding the importance of looking after our mental health.

Even though this week's focus has been promoting children's mental health, we don't and shouldn't forget ourselves, the adults, families and carers that care for the children. It is important that we look after ourselves to ensure we can care for the children the best we can. If you need any support please don't hesitate to contact us and will help you the best way we can!

Please see some helpful links below ....