Friends and mental health Lesson Plan

The lesson plan, tailored for Key Stage 2 students, begins with an optional feedback segment where the results of the previous week's national vote on whether under 18s should receive criminal records are shared. The session then moves into a starter activity titled "Ask twice!"—a practical exercise from the Time to Change campaign, encouraging pupils to genuinely check on their partner's well-being by asking "are you alright?" twice, following specific guidelines. This interactive approach sets the tone for the session, which is dedicated to discussing mental health during Children's Mental Health Week, a topic that gains relevance with the statistic that 1 in 4 people in the UK experience mental health issues.

As the lesson unfolds, students are reminded of the meaning of mental health and the nuances of emotional well-being. They engage in discussions about common symptoms of mental health struggles and explore strategies for self-care. The core of the lesson involves reading stories about three children facing mental health challenges, identifying warning signs, and learning how each child received help. The session concludes with a conversation on how pupils can support friends in distress, accompanied by educational yet humorous videos from Time to Change. The lesson plan, which includes a variety of supportive elements and stretch-and-challenge tasks, culminates with a call to action encouraging further exploration of the Ask Twice campaign and participation in Time to Talk Day. A final yes/no summary allows pupils to reflect on the topic before casting their votes, ensuring they consider different perspectives on the issue of mental health support among friends.