Nowadays, as we start to prioritise our mental health more, there’s a common question: ‘How can I improve wellbeing in my school?’
Luckily for you, here at A&S Landscape, we’re passionate about prioritising young people’s mental health through our range of school canopies. In this blog, we’ve got 4 wellbeing activities for kids that you can take inspiration from and ensure that your school is a supportive and welcoming environment.
Let’s get into it…
What is well-being, and why is it important for kids?
First up, it’s important to understand what we mean by wellbeing in kids. To put it simply, our wellbeing is how we’re getting on as individuals, both physically and mentally. It can be heavily influenced by our day-to-day life experiences, the environments we spend a lot of time in, and how we feel about each of them. Kids spend a lot of time at school, from their early years right through to college and university.
In order to be able to function properly as human beings, and to continue to learn and enjoy what we make of our lives, our wellbeing matters enormously. Therefore, it’s hugely important that we pay attention to it and take the time to do whatever it is that we may need to do to take care of it.
In this case, it applies to what schools can do to prioritise wellbeing in pupils. Since 2018, the NHS has been implementing new mental health support in schools and colleges all across England. Wellbeing is important, and you’re probably looking for ways to support your young people as they transition into adulthood.
4 EYFS wellbeing activities for kids
The main thing we would recommend is to go outside! Being outdoors and connecting with nature is well-known for its power to improve wellbeing and comes with so many benefits. Children need regular opportunities to move and let off steam, and being outdoors can instantly make us more motivated to be active.
With that being said, here are some easy wellbeing activities for kids.
1. Simple gardening
Having a designated area of the playground for gardening activities is a wonderful way to enhance wellbeing, and there’s plenty for children to get stuck into. In spring, plant bulbs and watch them blossom, and learn about the life cycle of plants. Even in the winter, you can encourage pupils to make Christmas decorations out of pine cones and conkers.
Gardening is a valuable asset for all kinds of cross-curricular learning, and fostering an appreciation of nature is as good for their mind as it is for their learning journey. Learn more about setting up your own school garden by reading our handy guide.
2. Make some music
Music has a real influence on our mood, and can be extremely therapeutic. Your playground is the perfect place for children to express themselves and play a tune of their own. You don’t necessarily need to invest in expensive instruments… Traditional household items like pans, wooden spoons, wind chimes, or anything else that makes an interesting noise will do!
It’s then up to you and your pupils on how you use it. If the day has felt particularly stressful, encourage them to create gentle, calming noises with their instruments. Or, if you really want to let off some steam, they might want to form their own rock band. Worried about your equipment getting wet? Our canopies with sides are a great storage solution.
Feeling inspired? We’ve got some great tips on how to create an outdoor music area.
3. Go for a stomp
Going for a simple walk is one of the easiest outdoor wellbeing activities out there, yet arguably one of the most effective. Whether it’s blissfully sunny or even snowy, get your pupils organised and head out for a short walk around the school field, playground, or around the local area if possible.
Ask them to really observe their surroundings, looking for interesting textures or fascinating sights. A simple walk allows them to really focus on the present moment and encourages a relaxed and informal opportunity for talking.
4. Create a reading nook
Having a designated reading area gives pupils a peaceful escape from the high-energy environment of the classroom and a moment of peace and quiet to reset. Stories are a great form of escapism, so we’d recommend having a shelf with rotational seasonal books.
By taking your tales outside, you’re enhancing your pupils’ wellbeing by exposing them to nature. Calming noises are a great companion to a good book, and you can even play relaxing soundscapes. We’ve got some great outdoor reading area ideas for schools if you’re looking for more inspiration.
How a canopy from A&S Landscape can help…
Integrating the ideas above is going to be much easier when the weather behaves itself! A bespoke canopy from A&S Landscape will remove the physical barriers to the great outdoors and create a perfect sanctuary for pupils to prioritise their wellbeing. We’d recommend our following canopies:
- A covered shade sail – Add visual interest to your playground while covering large areas of space.
- A colourful playground canopy – Add bright colours to your outdoor space with our joyful colourful roofs. Bright colours inspire creativity and excitement!
- A retractable canopy – Create a fully separate dining area for pupils to spend their lunchtimes in and promote outdoor eating.
Promote positive outdoor play with A&S Landscape!
Hopefully, these wellbeing activities for kids have given you some inspiration. However, prioritising wellbeing in schools isn’t just about the activities themselves. It’s about creating an environment that feels safe, supportive, and inspired. Whether that’s a quiet corner or an outdoor classroom, those additional spaces can provide real value.
Here at A&S Landscape, we believe that the great outdoors is the ultimate classroom. For 50 years, we’ve helped plenty of schools with their dream canopy project, allowing students to make the most of the outdoor space and learn in an environment that helps them thrive.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Then please get in touch with our team for more information.
