Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about mental health and well-being. It is a week-long campaign that encourages people to talk openly about their emotions, seek help if needed, and take care of their mental health.
Schools play a crucial role in promoting positive mental health among children. They provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow, not just academically but also emotionally and socially.
One of the ways primary schools can promote mental health during Mental Health Week is by incorporating reading into their curriculum. Reading has been proven to have a positive effect on our mental well-being. It can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost empathy and understanding of others.
During Mental Health Week, primary schools can organise reading activities that focus on mental health and well-being. This could include reading books or articles about emotions, mindfulness, self-care, and coping strategies.
Teachers can also use read-aloud sessions as an opportunity to discuss mental health with their students. By choosing age-appropriate books that tackle mental health topics, teachers can help children better understand their own emotions and those of others.
Reading can also be used as a tool to address mental health stigma. By reading stories that portray characters struggling with mental health issues, students can develop empathy and learn to be more accepting of people who may have different struggles than their own.
Incorporating reading into Mental Health Week activities not only promotes literacy but also helps create a positive and open dialogue about mental health among students. It encourages them to express their feelings, ask questions, and seek support if needed.
Reading can also be a form of self-care for children. By reading books that they enjoy, children can relax and take a break from any stress or worries they may have. This promotes a healthy coping mechanism and teaches children the importance of taking care of their mental health.
How does Fonetti support children’s mental health?
Fonetti is a great resource to support children in regulating their emotions and supporting mental health. Books not only allow children to escape into another world and develop imagination and curiosity, but they also support children with understanding tricky emotions and help them to process how they are feeling. When children read aloud with Fonetti, their full attention is devoted to the task, preventing their minds from wandering elsewhere. By adopting a focused approach to reading, children channel their thoughts while receiving valuable support in regulating their emotions. This intentional practice enhances their reading abilities but also contributes to their overall emotional well-being.
During the recent National Read-Aloud Awards ceremony, we were deeply moved when children expressed how reading aloud on Fonetti made them feel calm. Their words humbled us and reinforced the positive impact of our platform.
To mark this year’s Children’s Mental Health Day, we will be gifting the following books for free for the duration of the week:
Aife and Stray: Seven Style Secrets for a Perilous Party
Ali and Loki
The Ugly Duckling
