Northern Ireland

Free resource to help primary school children struggling with 'tsunami of anxiety' created by pandemic

Research has found children are affected by self-doubt as early as P1
Research has found children are affected by self-doubt as early as P1 Research has found children are affected by self-doubt as early as P1

A FREE mental wellbeing resource for primary schools has been created after a "tsunami of anxiety" created by pandemic has seen children as young as five "starting to doubt themselves".

Launched ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday it teaches simple `mind hacks' which can be learnt to recognise and reverse negative emotions.

The theme this year is `making mental healthcare accessible to everyone' and research has found children are affected by self-doubt as early as P1.

`I Can’t to I Can' is designed by RTT and created by teachers and therapists, to give seven to 10-year-olds tools to "overcome anxiety, build confidence and take control of their emotions".

It is is designed to slot into the curriculum after half term.

The Five Day Challenge "focuses on a different power for the children to develop so that they can bring them all together to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem".

It includes lesson plans and videos for teachers to help children "become mindful of their feelings and how to master them", with techniques including "installing their inner cheerleader to help them overcome the inner critic".

Schools can sign up via https://method.rtt.com/i-cant-to-i-can-challenge/ and the resources will be made available on October 20 giving teachers the opportunity to review and plan over half term.