myhappymind
As part of our ongoing commitment to our personal development offer, we follow a programme in all year groups from Reception to Year 6 called myHappymind. Based in scientific research and positive psychology, myHappymind is designed to help children to understand how their brain works and to support them in developing positive skills and behaviours to be their very best selves! It teaches children preventative habits that support positive mental health, resilience and self-esteem. The programme is delivered in school by your child’s class teacher through a series of interactive lessons. Then, the children are encouraged to apply their learning and skills throughout the school day and wider life. There are 5 myHappymind modules to complete:
In the 'Meet your Brain' module, children are introduced to the different parts of the brain, otherwise known as Team HAP (hippocampus, amygdala and pre-frontal cortex) and how they help us. Children learn how to use Happy Breathing to help them regulate their emotions when they feel sad or worried. They learn about neuroplasticity and what happens in our brain when we learn something new. The children learn some healthy habits that will help them to look after their brains.
The ‘Celebrate’ module focuses on helping children to understand and recognise their individual character strengths. Research shows that receiving praise for who we are (our character) has a greater impact on our happiness than praise for what we can do (our abilities or achievements, otherwise known as our competence).
It is important for children to recognise that we all possess these strengths, although we may display some more prominently than others. Throughout the module, children have been introduced to five key areas of character strengths:
- Love and Kindness
- Bravery and Honesty
- Exploring and Learning
- Teamwork and Friendship
- Love of Life and Our World
In the ‘Appreciate’ module, children will begin to develop an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’. This includes learning how to be grateful for others, for their experiences and for themselves. They also reflect on how both giving and receiving gratitude can positively impact their feelings and wellbeing.
In the ‘Relate’ unit, children learn how to build a positive relationship with themselves and others. They learn why relating to others is so important; how active listening can help us to build positive relationships with other people and how to see things from a different perspective.
In the 'Engage' module, children learn about why it is important to have goals that we are passionate about. They learn how to set their own goals and develop the understanding that 'when we feel good, we do good.' This module links to our PSHE Jigsaw unit on 'Dreams and Goals'.
To further embed this learning, myHappymind has developed a parent app. These resources can be accessed online on your computer, or through an app on your phone. The parent app will support you as a parent in understanding what your child is learning, activities for you to do together at home and also a Kids Zone featuring myHappymind Games, plus much more! Please see the letter attached at the end of this page for details on how to download the parent app.