Molly O’Neill

@MissBrowningAU I find journaling really helps! If you don’t have the courage to open up to someone, writing it down is great idea. Another idea is a “365 happiness jar”. Each day write down one positive thing that happens, then on 31/21 read all the cards. Perfect way to stay in the moment.

@IsaacHaines1 Very important for students of all ages, even as early as EC or Early Stage 1- these children have emotions and a voice, so why not allow them to express themselves. The MH of all individuals matter immensely and I don’t think it’s spoken in depth as much as it should be.

@_MissONeill_ I couldn't have said it better myself! When on my placement I would start every day by asking how the children were feeling. But I did not accept a generic response and they knew that. They had to give a genuine answer, and this helped guage who would need extra support that day.

It is too easy to simply ignore someone suffering or someone who seems down in the dumps. Be kind, it takes no time to simply ask "Is everything ok?" They might just need a friend, someone to listen to them or you could be saving them. Be kind. Be aware. Help someone. #SDG3

@IsaacHaines1 Human first, teacher second. A motto that all teachers should live by. Your well-being, and life matter just as much as your work does! Everyone is allowed to feel complex emotions and mental health days should be normalise for both students AND teachers!!

Teacher health and wellbeing is just as important as student wellbeing. Even if, as teachers we think we do a good job hiding how were feeling/affected by something, our students can tell. Set a good example, be open and explain how something affects you, that it's ok to speak.

@BonnieUon Distractions are so important when you’re feeling down, alone or suicidal. These kits would help keep a student entertained in a fun way!

@_MissONeill_ Could teachers hand out little kits that contain things to keep them busy, like meditation and mindfulness activities?

In light of the current school holidays, how could we ensure our students are maintaining good mental health and wellbeing? Not all students have safe and caring home lives, does that mean our teaching flows into the holidays and is it appropriate to reach out? #UoNTeach

@LaurenG68654208 No I haven’t! It would be such a good activity for students, especially those who love to write - helping them to reflect on their day/ how they’re feeling!

@_MissONeill_ I love to journal as well. I do it first thing when I wake up and it starts my day off in a really positive way! Have you ever seen journaling utilised in a classroom environment?

What activities do you most enjoy that improves your health/wellbeing? Here are some activities that I have thought of: - Exercise - Yoga - Massage - Cooking a healthy meal - Meditation - Journaling - Mindful Colouring Ins #Uonteach #SDG3 #wellbeing #health

@Steph_Murray12 Yes! Whole group check-ins remind families that wellbeing matters, and the school is always there to guide them!

@_MissONeill_ Oh they are some great thoughts! I feel like usually the school will make some posts online or check-in with families more than a teacher? We could always send home ‘home-work packs’ that have well-being points in there as well

@IsaacHaines1 Self-regulating their own learning will help them transition their skills learnt in primary school into secondary schooling or even adulthood! PBL is definitely a successful classroom pedagogy for all students.

@_MissONeill_ It would be great to know that not only all schools participate, but that the students can take the lead in ensuring the students take ownership of learning their PBL. When students become self-reliant in learning their PBL, they will be able to autonomously integrate it.

This is an amazing approach that I have seen in almost every school. I know that teachers reinforce this approach, but do you think that children could reinforce this in their own learning? Self-resilience is a great way for students to build and maintain their mental health.

@LaurenG68654208 I will also be using check-ins and using @Smiling_Mind for daily mindfulness!

What will you do to promote Good Health and Wellbeing in your classroom? I will use meditation and wellbeing check ins such as this one, everyday. #sdg3 #UonTeach

@miss_orlowski The Yoga Cafe in Blacksmiths offer great insight to ‘Take 3 for the Sea’, by using sustainable products, no plastic products and all items sold are plant based. By choosing sustainable resources, it will lead to a cleaner, safer society. #sustainability

Scared of animals being injured in the ocean? On your way back to the car, pick up 3 pieces of rubbish each! Together our community will follow and save many more sea creatures.

@NicWil6 @NewLambtonPS I would love to find out too!!

@_MissONeill_ @NewLambtonPS So do the Year 6 students go around to other classrooms? Interesting! I wonder what program they use?

Awesome work @NewLambtonPS! Good wellbeing is very important for students to maintain, by regularly checking in with other student it can gauge quickly how everyone is feeling! I am all for the student autonomy, why shouldn’t they take ownership! #UoNTeach #wellbeingmatters #sdg3

@madeleine0899 I’m not sure if this is off topic but I’ve seen ‘Leggos’ and ‘Coles’ branded pasta sauce have now made a “hidden veggie” flavour! This would be an excellent way to get children to eat vegetables without them knowing! What do you think?

@_MissONeill_ Wow, that is alarming. I think there is a mentality that 'veggies are gross.' I know that's what I thought when I was younger. We need to change this outlook and find ways for children to not only eat more vegetables, but WANT to eat them!

It is alarming the amount of children not consuming the recommended amount of vegetables daily. I believe the dedicated “Fruit Break” period in classrooms should be changed to further encourage children to choose vegetables as a healthy snack/ alternative to fruit.

@madeleine0899 Love this! Never heard of this before! My primary school had “traffic light” foods, which follow the same outline. They’re both easy for students to follow for healthy eating!

Go, Slow or Whoa is a great way to manage heathy eating. Go Foods: Eat these all the time! Slow Foods: Eat these sometimes! Whoa Foods: Eat these once in a while! This catchy idea makes it easy to think about what we are consuming #UoNTeach #educ4750 #SDG3 kidshealth.org/en/kids/go-slo…

@teachwithmaisey I like the sounds of free!! The wellbeing of our students is so so important. I wonder if the data of the survey could be compared within schools? I would be very interested in taking a look! Perhaps government funding could be allocated as a result! #wellbeingmatters

@_MissONeill_ Hi Miss ONeill. The Student Well-being Hub offer a FREE, 10 minute survey that will help you assist your schools wellbeing. I have already taken the survey and would be happy to compare our results!!

Is the well-being of our students our top priority in schools? #uonteach #educ4750

@teachwithmaisey @HoskingMiss It sure is!! LANSW also run clinics for teachers and students in preparation for their upcoming athletics carnival! Athletics incorporates so many important FMS which are crucial when learning physical activity.

@_MissONeill_ @HoskingMiss It’s always special when you get to see your students engaging in something that means a lot to you as a teacher. Little Athletics is also a great way to get in that recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week!

Little Athletics is near and dear to my heart. It is an excellent way for children to participate in physical activity and develop lifelong skills! Thanks for the share @HoskingMiss! LANSW did virtual competitions and funruns during lockdown, to boost PA rates in their athletes!

@teachwithmaisey Most certainly, I loved how engaged my students were. Lessons on mental Heath need to be normalised as it is such an important part of being human!!

@_MissONeill_ Oh my gosh I love this scene...I can tell that you have acquired a deep knowledge and understanding about this film! Perhaps we could collaborate over a zoom chat? I would love to learn more from your expertise!

Have you heard of the movie Inside Out? This is a timeless story about human emotions and coping with major life changes. A must watch for teachers and students to start the conversation about #mentalhealth. youtu.be/seMwpP0yeu4