The mental (…)

Here is another example of an engaging practice that, from a professional experience, fosters students’ SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT. By school engagement we mean students’ observable participation in school activities, sense of belonging to classmates and teachers, and valuing success in school-related goals.

It is implemented by: Teachers, other educational professionals, parents, youth workers

It is directed at students aged:  3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-16

Target group: Single student-centered, group-centered, class-centered

Main subjects involved: Languages, Arts, Social skills

ICT involvement:  no

Description of the practice: The mental health puzzle allows the individual/group to reflect on a topical issue. Mental health problems should be normalised so that they do not escalate.

“Pictures offer a unique opportunity to hear the child’s voice. The Mental Health puzzle is a well-being interviewing model, where each piece is explored with the child/student and allowed to be interpreted freely by the child/student. Each piece represents a theme. The adult ensures that the interaction is child/student-centred and dialogical. It is essential to take into account the holistic, embodied and multichannel nature of the child’s narrative: children/students also talk about their well-being through gestures, facial expressions, silence, approach, movement and play.” (https://mieli.fi/materiaalit-ja-koulutukset/materiaalit/elainten-talo-hyvinvointipalapeli-lapsille/)

Accessible to any student: yes

Meaningful participation for every student: no

Why?: Not everyone may be able to discuss mental health issues.

Support to the practice: no

Link with more information: Website |