Year 4 have started the new year with a strong focus on Health and Wellbeing as part of their Personal Development learning.

In their lesson on Thursday, the children explored what it means to relax, sharing thoughtful ideas about how and why relaxation is important. They spoke about relaxation as a time for our bodies to feel “soft and floaty”, when we slow down and allow ourselves “to be in the moment”.

The range of ideas shared was wonderful — from drawing, reading and baking, to spending time with pets, lying in the grass watching clouds, looking up at the stars, sewing and diamond art. The list really did go on!

The class then discussed strategies that can help us relax in different situations, such as breathing exercises and visualisation. Children were given 15 minutes to choose an activity that helps them to feel calm and relaxed. Some chose to draw or enjoy mindful colouring, others settled down with a book, and some challenged themselves with origami.

The afternoon ended peacefully with a session of cosmic yoga, helping everyone feel calm and centred.

Next week, the children will be exploring happiness — thinking about what makes them happy and how they can take responsibility for their own wellbeing.