Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom: The updated guide to teaching happiness and positive mental health

‘Adrian Bethune is an inspiration and this book should be required reading for everyone involved in teaching young children.’ - Dr Mark Williamson, Director of Action for Happiness, @actionhappiness This award-winning guide for teaching wellbeing and positive mental health in primary schools is packed with practical ideas for every classroom. This timely updated edition recognises the need for more guidance in schools following pupils’ rising levels of stress, anxiety and depression due to the pandemic. Evidence has shown that happy people (those who experience more positive emotions) perform better in school, enjoy healthier relationships, are generally more successful and even live longer! Many schools and teachers are looking for accessible ways to address these mental health problems in young people, and this revised edition is the essential tool needed to support healthy emotional development in the primary classroom. The book includes new chapters on: - the importance of nature for health, behaviour and concentration, - digital wellbeing and helping children to navigate life online in a healthy way, - and includes updated statistics and research on mental health and wellbeing of children and teachers. In this must-read book, experienced teacher and advisor on children's wellbeing, Adrian Bethune, takes the latest evidence and research from the science of happiness and positive psychology and brings them to life. Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom is packed full of tried-and-tested activities and techniques, including mindfulness, positive reflection, physical activity and acts of kindness.

About the Author :
Adrian Bethune is a part-time teacher at a primary school in Aylesbury, Deputy Chair of the Well Schools strategic board, Education Ambassador at The Smiley Movement and the founder of Teachappy. In 2012, he was awarded a ‘Happy Hero’ medal by Lord Richard Layard at the House of Lords for his work on developing wellbeing in schools. In 2015, he was invited to speak at the Action For Happiness event, Creating A Happier World, on stage with the Dalai Lama. Adrian has won multiple awards including two Teach Primary Awards for Wellbeing for Wellbeing In The Primary Classroom (first edition) and his course The Seeds of Happiness, and a People's Choice Charity Film Award for his animation, Can School Make You Happier?

Review :
If you want healthier, happier children, this book is for you. Yet again, Adrian Bethune demystifies the theory of wellbeing and turns it into clear, practical advice we should all implement in our classrooms and schools. This is a wonderfully humane and useful book for teachers. Idea by idea it shows how the skills for living can be taught in practice. Beautifully written by a teacher who walks the talk. Adrian's book is one of those books that I genuinely recommend to teachers and head teachers all the time! This updated guide is a brilliant synthesis of valuable research and is brimming with practical ideas that will make a positive and life affirming difference to children and teachers alike! For schools and educators right now, this is the book you need; this is essential reading! This is a helpful guide for teachers to think more about their and their students' well-being. This gem of a book is a must have for all who support the wellbeing of children in the primary classroom. Practical, totally accessible and full of 'positive psychology' tools which really work! The timely publication of this new edition demonstrates Adrian's authorial authority as well as the impact his original work had. 'Tales from the Classroom' shows the practical application of sound research into happiness and wellbeing and the chapter on 'Neuroplasticity will be essential reading as schools develop their understanding of the mechanics of the maturing brain. A publication be well-thumbed and bookmarked! I thought I knew a lot about wellbeing in the classroom until I read this book, I learnt so many useful strategies that I can use not just in school, but for me as a person and a professional. I loved that the practical suggestions were backed up with research and evidence, I really think everyone working with children should read it - I'll be ordering all of our staff a copy! It's a 10/10 again for the wellbeing in schools guru! Wellbeing is more important and relevant than ever; Adrian’s book brings this to the forefront of discussion whilst giving so many fun ideas you can incorporate into your classroom and practice. Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom is an essential guide for schools dedicated to nurturing the wellbeing of their students. I urge all headteachers and school leaders to explore this book, as its wisdom can revolutionise our approach to education, making our primary classrooms havens of happiness and positivity. Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom is an essential guide for schools. I urge all headteachers and school leaders to explore this book, as its wisdom can revolutionise our approach to education.