Student wellbeing is a key to learning success, we have put together a tool kit that we hope you find useful to support your children when coming back to school and beyond.
Activities to Reduce Anxiety
- Balloon Breathing Technique
- Lazy 8 Breathing Technique
- Fun Breathing exercises
- Noticing and celebrating child strengths
Stories to Share
- Rubys Worry - read by our very own Lindsey Mackrill (R11 Teacher)
- Arohas Way
- When the World Went Back - a short social story about coming back to school after Covid
Books to Support a Growth Mindset
- My strong mind: A story for developing mental strength by Niels van Hove
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Emmanuel’s dream: The true story of Emmanual Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson
Bubble gum brain by Julia Cook
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Giraffes can't dance by Giles Andreae
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What do you do with an idea? By Kobi Yamada
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What do you do with a problem? by Kobi Yamada
Resources for Managing Coronavirus Anxiety
- Kids Health - Provides information on coping with worry and anxiety about COVID-19 for children.
- Child Mind Institute - Has useful information on coping with the Coronavirus and managing worry. Complied a range of recommended resources to support during COVID-19.
- Brainwave - Prepared by psychologists from Ministry of Education, Learning Support Auckland May 2020 Art by Andrea Smart Practice and Implementation Advisor
- Ministry of Education - General support for parents
- Altogether Autism - Information on Autism during COVID-19, including resources recommended by Altogether Autism experts.
Resources for Returning to School
- Covid Safety at School - a short YouTube clip explaining how we will stay safe at school
Health Support
- Healthline - Healthline is free health advice and information, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Starship Community Services the ADHB or phone (09) 639 0200
Future Learning Solutions
- Future Learning Resources website
- SPARX is a free online e-therapy tool
- Aroha is a chatbot designed to help young people cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing positive ways of coping.
- Triple P Online Parenting Programme for parenting during a pandemic
- Helping Your Anxious Child: a Step-by-Step Guide for Parents by Ronald M. Rapee
Helplines:
- Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, text 234
- Rainbow Youth – Call (09) 376 4155
- What's Up – Call 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) or webchat to talk about anything with trained counsellors.
- Kidsline – Call 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE)
- The Lowdown – Call 0800 111 757, text 5626, email or webchat to get for support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety
For Pacific families:
The Mental Health Foundation also recently sent the following message out to their Pacific families:
- “Wellness is community. As children of the moana, our wellness is collective, it is caring for ourselves and caring for each other. Now more than ever, we as a people need to come together in heart and mind, keeping our village strong.” Words by Grace Iwashita-Taylor.
- If you or someone you know is feeling stressed or anxious, our friends at Vaka Tautua can offer you support through their helpline 0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535)
LeVa Pasifika also provides information and support for Pasifika families on mental health, addiction and suicide prevention.
Mental health and wellbeing support for all:
Need more support?
Visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/mental-health-addictions to find mental health and addiction services near your school.
As more resources and tools become available we will continue to build the toolbox.