Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer” – Albert Einstein
Persistence
Persistence is all about keeping going, even when times are challenging. It is normal to want to give up when you are going through something difficult, but if you can stick with it and overcome the obstacles, you will be closer to achieving your goals.
Having a growth mindset will help us persist, which means you believe you can learn, grow and develop your skills by putting in the hard work and practise. This can be tricky, so make sure you reach out to friends and trusted adults to support you.
Our tips for persistence:
Break the goal down into smaller steps. You can set yourself smaller goals that are more achievable, to help you reach your ultimate goal. Make sure the smaller goals are linked to your ultimate goal; this may help to encourage you to keep going, as you will be able to measure your progress.
Try something new – this could be a new hobby, sport, craft activity, or puzzle. Having a go at something new can help to develop your persistence, whilst also having fun. You might find it challenging at first, but you will receive a greater sense of reward and achievement by sticking with it!
Positive self-talk – instead of saying “I can’t”, add “yet” onto the end of the sentence. This tells your brain that it might be difficult, but you will get there in the end.
Talk to yourself like a friend – we are often kinder to our friends than we are to ourselves, when we go through challenging times. Practise talking to yourself like you would talk to a friend! What advice would you give if a friend told you they were rubbish at something? What would you say if they felt they wanted to give up?
Practise mindfulness. A good way to improve our mental wellbeing is by paying more attention to the present moment and the world around us. Think about sounds and smells around you, what can you see, and how does this make you feel. By being more aware, this can improve our mental wellbeing and enable us to improve skills such as being persistent.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Today is International Love Note Day, so I have chosen books on the theme of love!
The first book I’ve chosen is L Is For Love by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank, a joyful and rhythmic picture book from award-winning author Atinuke, beautifully illustrated by Angela Brooksbank. This vibrant story takes young readers on a journey through rural West Africa all the way to the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria.
Before the sun rises, the family sets off with lamps in hand and baskets balanced on heads, ready to take their luscious lemons to market. Their journey is anything but straightforward! They travel over fallen logs, hitch a ride on a rickety, leaky lorry, face a dramatic lightning storm, and even encounter wild animals like lions and leopards. At every turn, the story bursts with excitement and surprises, keeping children engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
The language is playful and musical, making it a delightful read-aloud. Children will love sounding out the alliteration and repeating patterns, and the use of rich vocabulary and descriptive phrases also opens up lovely conversations about travel, family life, and the geography of West Africa.
Angela Brooksbank’s bold and colourful illustrations bring every page to life, perfectly capturing the warmth, energy, and diversity of Nigerian landscapes and cityscapes.
Next, I have picked Love Is In The Little Things by Stella J Jones, and illustrated by Jane Massey, a heartwarming picture book that gently celebrates the small, everyday moments that show how much we care.
With tender words by Stella and soft, expressive illustrations by Jane, this is a perfect read for families who want to cherish the quiet magic of love in daily life.
The story follows Big and Small, a loving pair who may remind readers of a parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, or simply two people who share a deep bond. Together, they move through a series of simple, beautiful moments: blowing bubbles in the bath, sharing a quiet cup of tea, offering a hug, or saying ‘sorry’. Each page highlights how love isn’t always about grand gestures – it’s often found in kindness, connection, and care.
The rhyming text is gentle and soothing, making it ideal for bedtime reading or quiet time in the classroom. The rhythm is easy to follow and enjoyable to read aloud, helping to develop young children’s listening and language skills in a warm, emotionally supportive setting.
Jane’s illustrations add a lovely layer of warmth and tenderness. With soft pastel tones and expressive characters, each spread feels safe, comforting and familiar making it perfect for young children learning about feelings and relationships, and as a reminder of how powerful love can be, even in its smallest forms.
Finally, for our older children, I’ve chosen Charlie And Me: 421 Miles From Home by Mark Lowery, which is an emotional rollercoaster of a story celebrating the love between two brothers.
Martin and Charlie are on an epic journey to Cornwall, on their own. Having deceived their parents, the two set off with limited funds and no adults, and they know they will have to avoid discovery on their journey south. When Martin’s carefully laid plans collide with Charlie’s crazy behaviour, it’s a race against time to reach their final destination on time, without getting caught. But why is it so important?
Martin is a caring, thoughtful older brother to Charlie’s larger than life character, and the love he feels for him is clear. We see Martin’s hopes and fears in his poetry interspersed throughout their story, and the flashbacks give increasing importance to their current journey.
Beautifully written, Charlie And Me is a heartbreaking yet uplifting tale of brotherly love, exploring grief and mental health, within a gripping adventure that steadily builds tension, with laughs along the way, before the jaw dropping conclusion, which had me in tears. Martin’s poems are sprinkled throughout the story adding depth, emotion and understanding of the importance of the 421 mile journey.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Kindness is not weakness; it is strength wrapped in grace,” – Anonymous
Strength
Each of us has a unique set of strengths and abilities that help us face life’s challenges. Focusing on your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses — it means using what you’re naturally good at to help you grow, build confidence, and work through tough times. In doing so, you move closer to living a more fulfilling and resilient life.
Our Tips for strength:
Appreciate your strength – when you experience a difficult time, it’s easy to forget how strong you are! Try and remember other times in your life when you’ve got through something challenging. Remember how strong you were to get through those circumstances and know you have the strength to get through other difficulties too.
Remind yourself “all we can do is try our best” and “you are good enough”.
Being kind to others can help build our own strength as well as others! As a class, have a go at playing ‘kindness bingo’ by following this link: School Of Kindness
Take Time to Rest and Recharge – your mind needs breaks just like your body. Take a few quiet minutes to breathe, read, draw, or go outside. That helps your brain feel strong and calm.
Ask for Help When You Need It – being strong doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It’s smart and brave to ask for help – that’s how we grow and learn!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
There are still spaces available on the following programmes and workshops. For descriptions please see the attached guide as well as the attached timetable.
Arrr, today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, me hearties, so this week’s theme be none other than pirates, aye!
For our youngest children, I’ve chosen Give Me Back My Bones by Kim Norman, illustrated by Bob Kolar, where pirates, skeletons, and science all come together in a delightfully clever and educational adventure that’s perfect for young readers.
Told in bouncy, rhyming verse, this book follows the misadventures of a shipwrecked pirate skeleton who’s on a mission to find his missing bones. From his mandible to his metatarsals, he hunts high and low beneath the waves, reuniting each bone with a joyful cry of recognition. Children are invited along on this underwater scavenger hunt, learning real anatomical terms in a way that’s playful and completely unintimidating.
The text is wonderfully read-aloud friendly; perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm and humour, while slightly older ones might delight in learning the proper names of body parts (and perhaps surprising their teachers or parents with their new knowledge!).
The illustrations by Bob Kolar are bold, cheerful, and cartoonish, making the skeletal subject matter feel fun rather than frightening. There’s nothing spooky here, just a friendly, expressive skeleton trying to put himself back together with a bit of pirate flair.
Endpapers featuring labelled bones at the front and a full skeleton at the back extend the learning even further, making this not just a storybook, but a mini anatomy lesson in disguise. A funny, fact-filled treasure that brings bones, and learning, to life. Ideal for curious minds and pirate fans alike!
My next choice is Pirate Stew by Neil GAiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell. If you’re looking for a story that’s packed with imagination, rhyme, and just the right amount of silliness, Pirate Stew is a perfect pick. Written by the brilliant Neil Gaiman and brought to life by the whimsical illustrations of Chris Riddell, this picture book is a joyful romp from start to finish.
The story begins with two children being left at home with a rather unexpected babysitter; Long John McRon, Ship’s Cook, who just happens to be a pirate. Before long, their quiet evening turns into an extraordinary escapade full of flying pirate ships, doughnut feasts, and, of course, the mysterious (and magical) pirate stew.
Told in rollicking rhyme, Neil’s text is a delight to read aloud, with repeating verses that children will quickly want to join in with. It’s the kind of book that invites laughter, silliness, and a bit of pirate roleplay — perfect for winding down after a busy school day or adding some fun to a rainy weekend afternoon.
Chris Riddell’s artwork adds an extra layer of humour and wonder, with expressive characters and richly detailed scenes that reward repeat readings. The illustrations are bold, colourful, and full of hidden treasures for curious eyes to spot.
Whether your child is pirate-obsessed or just loves a funny tale, this is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. It’s a book to be read, shared, and enjoyed again and again. A funny, fantastical feast for young imaginations. Aarrrr-mazing!
And for our oldest Children, I’ve picked The Voyage Of Sam Singh by Gita Ralleigh, a gripping, imaginative adventure full of heart, danger, and magic, perfect for fans of fantasy, mystery, and courageous heroes. This is the second book in Gita Ralleigh’s enchanting middle-grade series, set in a richly imagined, parallel version of colonial India.
Twelve-year-old Sam Singh is a land-pirate with a mission: to rescue his older brother, Moon, who vanished three years ago and is rumoured to be trapped in the Octopus, a terrifying, inescapable prison on the mysterious Isle of Lost Voices.
With only a suspicious scientist, Professor Bogusz, and a loyal parrot named Suka for company, Sam sets sail on a perilous journey across stormy seas and into the unknown. On the island, they meet Lola, a fierce and clever forest guide, and together they brave wild landscapes full of secrets and spirits. But time is running out, and the Octopus looms closer with every step.
Gita’s writing is lyrical, atmospheric and packed with vivid detail. The story blends folklore, fantasy, and real-world themes of colonialism and resistance, while never losing pace or heart. Sam is a brave and relatable hero, and young readers will be swept along by his determination, loyalty and courage.
This is an ideal read for upper primary children who enjoy rich storytelling, bold characters, and a world unlike any other. A thrilling, magical quest full of danger, discovery, and hope, The Voyage of Sam Singh is an unforgettable journey for curious minds and brave hearts.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Mind And Body
“Your mind is like a garden. With care, it will bloom beautifully” – Unknown
Just as we look after our physical health, it’s important to look after our mental health. In fact, the two are closely connected!
Most of us will know what it’s like to feel worried, stressed or low from time to time. We might be affected by our relationships with friends and classmates or things we see on the news, and we might feel worried about school or our home lives (this is understandable!) Recognising how our mind health and physical health work together can keep us mentally healthy.
Our Tips for looking after your Mind and Body:
To ensure a healthy mind and body, why not try some of the activities below? Can you choose one from each category?
Physical– healthy eating with plenty of water, time away from technology and get fresh air where you can, regular exercise every day (e.g., walk to school or get off the bus a stop earlier, dance, or stretch), a consistent sleep schedule (children aged 6-12 years should aim for 9-12 hours sleep per night, adolescents should aim for 8-10 hours).
Social– spend quality time with friends and family, connect with others in person (as well as online), join a club or community group, reach out to others and don’t be afraid to ask for help or offer support.
Practical– keep a daily routine to create structure and stability, use checklists to act as reminders and to hold yourself accountable, get ready for the day each morning, set yourself small and achievable goals to stay motivated.
Emotional– develop supportive friendships, write down three good things from your day, take time to do something relaxing every day, practise self-kindness (e.g., treat yourself how you would treat a friend!)
The Anna Freud Centre has some fabulous resources to help you and your child develop a self-care plan, that you can download here.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
