Wellbeing News

On Thursday 5th and 12th September, some of our Year 5 students participated in the Supportive Friends workshops, facilitated by STRIDE Education. The focus on these sessions were to encourage students to discuss positive relationships with themselves and their peers. It highlighted the importance of managing self-talk and developing a growth mindset.

In session one, the students explored the factors that strengthen and weaken friendships. In small groups, they brainstormed the qualities that build and break friendships, and then they shared their ideas with the whole group.

The second topic focused around how to prepare our mindset to embrace friendships and handle emotional challenges. This involved a discussion on using a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset to navigate friendships and emotional issues.

In session two, the students discussed empathy, defining it as ‘putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, but also accepting their level of understanding or care.’  They discussed situations where they may have a different point of view on a topic – and the role demonstrating empathy can have on strengthening their connections.  They then explored the assertive sandwich; which is a strategy they can use to address conflict – but without blame.  Essentially, providing them with the tools to advocate for themselves and their needs. This included:

I feel…

Because…

I need…

All the students then had the opportunity to role play applying this technique to a variety of situations.

During reflection, many of the students said they enjoyed the session and felt better prepared to manage conflict in their relationships.