Aussie Optimism: Feelings and Friends (Years 1-3)

Description

Aussie Optimism is an evidence-based mental health promotion program that provides schools and families with practical information and strategies. The programs are mapped to the national curriculum for HPE and are designed to be run in schools, with whole classes in a school term. Aussie Optimism is a resilience program that can help all children build coping skills and self-esteem. The programs can also reduce anxiety, depression and suicidality.

The two Aussie Optimism: Feelings and Friends programs are developmentally appropriate for students in Years 1 - 2 and Year 3. During the 10 weeks of program implementation students learn to identify and label feelings first in themselves and then in others. Students learn and practice how to look out for body clues and early warning signs that help them know how they are feeling. The skills include:

• Identifying four common feelings (sad, angry, scared and happy)
• First aid for feelings
• How to be friendly

Students are encouraged to apply these skills to:

• Talk about their own feelings and the feelings of others
• Establish and maintain good relationships with family and friends
• Cope with stressful or challenging situation