Mental Health Awareness Week is just around the corner, and it's a perfect opportunity for us to come together and raise awareness about this crucial topic. As educators in the early childhood sector, we all play a significant role in shaping the minds of our tamariki and fostering emotional well-being.
Te Whare Tapa Whā - The Four Dimensions of Well-being
Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori model of well-being, reminds us of the holistic nature of health. Just like a wharenui (meeting house), it has four walls that need to be strong and in balance to support well-being. These four dimensions are:
1. Taha Tinana (Physical Well-being):
Encourage healthy eating, regular exercise, and plenty of rest for both yourself and your little ones. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.
2. Taha Wairua (Spiritual Well-being):
It encourages communication: The posters are like conversation starters for our tamariki. We invite them to talk about their emotions and feelings, making it easier for them to express what's going on inside. This is a big step toward developing strong communication skills.
Promotes self-regulation: Learning about emotions and feelings helps our little ones become self-aware. When they can recognise and name their feelings, they're better equipped to manage them. It's like giving them a superpower for self-regulation!
Helps early understanding of feelings:
2. Taha Wairua (Spiritual Well-being):
Explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Spend time in nature and engage in reflective practices. Encourage the tamariki to connect with their inner selves.
3. Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Well-being):
3. Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Well-being):
This is where mental health education plays a pivotal role. Use age-appropriate resources to teach emotional literacy, coping strategies, and the importance of expressing feelings. Normalise discussions around mental health.
4. Taha Whānau (Family and Social Well-being):
4. Taha Whānau (Family and Social Well-being):
Foster strong relationships and a sense of belonging among your tamariki. Encourage sharing, cooperation, and kindness. A supportive community contributes to mental well-being.
Our Emotions & Wellbeing Poster Pack:
Our Emotions & Wellbeing Poster Pack:
This pack has many learning opportunities for our tamariki. Here are some reasons why it's so awesome:
It encourages communication: The posters are like conversation starters for our tamariki. We invite them to talk about their emotions and feelings, making it easier for them to express what's going on inside. This is a big step toward developing strong communication skills.
Promotes self-regulation: Learning about emotions and feelings helps our little ones become self-aware. When they can recognise and name their feelings, they're better equipped to manage them. It's like giving them a superpower for self-regulation!
Helps early understanding of feelings:
These posters are like mini emotional lessons. They introduce our tamariki to the wide world of emotions, paving the way for a greater understanding of feelings from a young age. It's like building a solid emotional foundation.
Poster Pack includes: 2 x Mat time posters with phrases, Kei te Pēhea Koe?, Alleviate Anxiety, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Wash Your Hands, Talking about our feelings, Learning about our feelings, Positive Praise Phrases & our very popular Mātauranga Maori poster.
