Terra Nova thoroughly enjoys its bespoke PSHE curriculum, known as GROWTH, which is closely aligned with the Aims of the School.
For a special GROWTH lesson this week to mark Children’s Mental Health Week (and, let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day too) pupils in Year 3 were challenged to consider the following questions:
“What do we love about each other in Year 3?”
“What are we grateful for?”
“What characteristics do we value and respect in each other?”
Pupils decorated a cup and proceeded to write statements about their friends and peers. These statements were placed into the cup of the person they had written to. The idea was simple: “to ‘fill each other’s cups with love’.”
Very soon, pupils’ cups were overflowing with praise and love from their peers. The children took time to read what their friends had said about them which, quite clearly, had the effect of boosting self-esteem, confidence, and their sense of self-worth. The children remarked how special it made each of them feel, how confident and happy they felt in being themselves, and how wonderful it was to know that they are each valued for who they are every day.
Some favourites included, “You always include me in your games”, “I love that you never give up”, “You make me smile when I feel sad”, and “I love how cheerful you are”. What a wonderful boost for our Year 3 pupils as Children’s Mental Health Week comes to an end.
To everyone: Happy Children’s Mental Health Week (and Happy Valentine’s Day!) from Year 3!
