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There will always be children and young people in schools facing life challenges that detract from their ability to engage with learning, and some will require greater support to increase their emotional literacy than others. ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
We are lucky enough to have three qualified Emotional Literacy Support Assistants at Ysgol Harri Tudur/Henry Tudor School. They have been trained by Educational Psychologists to plan and deliver programmes of support to learners who are experiencing temporary or longer term additional emotional needs. The majority of ELSA work is delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work is more appropriate, especially in the areas of social and friendship skills. Sessions are fun, we use a range of activities such as: games and arts and craft. ELSA sessions take place in our very own 'ELSA room' which provides a calm, safe space for the child to feel supported and nurtured.
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
In ELSA we aim to provide support for a wide range of emotional needs:
Understanding Emotions
Understanding Emotions
Develop and understand emotions, how we use them, how they affect us and the triggers. Kinaesthetic activities are used to get students engaged and having fun whilst learning.
understand emotions
the triggers
create positive energy
engaging and fun
handouts and support
Happiness
Happiness
In a world full of turmoil it can be quite unsettling for young people to fully understand what's going on. In this session we will provide tools to ensure young people know how to cope with unhappy situations.
understand happiness
coping strategies
measurement tools
handouts and support
Relationship Management
Relationship Management
The supervision and maintenance of relationships between children, students and their superiors.
relationship management
build and trust
respect
kinaesthetic activities
support
Confidence
Confidence
In the established virtual world that we now live, many young people are affected by the pressures of online media. This workshop teaches new techniques on being confident and building greater self-esteem.
what is confidence?
coping strategies
build self esteem
kinaesthetic activities
engaging
Resilience
Resilience
The essence of this workshop is to challenge some of our preconceptions about ourselves and other people and looks at behavioural and cognitive strategies to develop greater resilience.
defining resilience challenge preconceptions
coping strategies
engaging and fun
handouts and support
Self-esteem
Self-esteem
With increasing pressures of school and home life, students are finding it harder to cope. This workshop is designed to draw out confidence and teach ways to build self-esteem by highlighting their strength.
what is self-esteem?
coping strategies
channelling positive energy
interactive and engaging
support
Some useful online resources
Some useful online resources
Mental Health Foundation - https://mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak - practical tips to stay connected with friends and family whilst we stay at home.
Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/understanding-my-feelings/ - information for young people about their emotions and feelings and how to seek the help needed.
Childline - https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/ - practical advice and support for children and young people on a range of topics affecting their health and wellbeing.
Potential Activities to Support Social Wellbeing
Potential Activities to Support Social Wellbeing
Random Acts of Kindness - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/random-acts-kindness - a range of different activities designed to bring people together at this challenging time. Suggestions range from watching a film at the same time and video calling to sending a cute picture of an animal to someone who is struggling or even just making a cup of tea for someone who lives with you.
Play a board game with a family member – look out those games of Cluedo or Monopoly and step away from technology for a bit. It will help you re-connect with those you live with!
Stay connected and engage with others - Compare and contrast how we are living today with the experience of those who lived through World War II – consider interviewing someone you know or use research techniques to help you in this process. You might even want to talk to a grandparent over Skype or FaceTime to find out what they think. Present your findings through writing, drama or an oral report.
Movie time - Get the popcorn out and watch a family movie or watch a movie at the same time as your friend and arrange a videocall at the same time!
Cheer up a friend or family member - Send a motivational text or design a card for someone who is struggling!
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