New Year Yellow - Our Fun January Wellbeing Challenge!

January doesn’t have to feel dull, try adding some yellow to your routine...

Our fun and free January Wellbeing Challenge is here to transform a traditionally gloomy month into an opportunity for connection, creativity, and calm, using simple, child-friendly activities that genuinely support emotional wellbeing.

The start of a new year can bring mixed emotions for children. While routines return and expectations rise, energy levels are often low and motivation can dip. Our New Year Yellow January Wellbeing Challenge was created to meet children exactly where they are, offering gentle, enjoyable ways to feel brighter.

Rather than focusing on goals, targets, or behaviour, this resource centres on small, meaningful actions that support wellbeing throughout the month, helping the build positive habits for the year ahead. Using colour, creativity, mindfulness, and kindness, children are invited to notice, appreciate and engage with their environment, finding brighter moments even on the greyest days.

About This Resource

The New Year Yellow January Wellbeing Challenge is a printable wellbeing activity designed for children aged approximately 4–11, though it can be adapted for older or younger learners.

The resource includes a set of themed “yellow” challenges that encourage:

• emotional awareness

• mindfulness and regulation

• creativity and self-expression

• kindness and connection

Children are encouraged to complete 7 challenges, or as many as they choose, reinforcing autonomy, choice, and limiting pressure.

Key Features

• A clear, visually engaging challenge grid

• 14 child-friendly wellbeing activities - complete each day or whenever time allows

• Tick-off circles to encourage motivation and ownership

• Inclusive language suitable for a wide age range

• No preparation or specialist knowledge required

• Printable and easy to use in any setting

Each challenge is short, achievable, and designed to fit naturally into daily routines.

Benefits 

• Helps improve mood during a challenging time of year

• Encourages emotional awareness without pressure

• Supports calm focus and regulation

• Builds confidence through choice and independence

• Promotes kindness and positive social connection

• Encourages creativity and mindful attention

Most importantly, children learn that looking after their wellbeing can be simple, enjoyable, and part of everyday life.

Benefits for Adults

• No planning or prep time required

• Easy to integrate into classroom or home routines

• Supports wellbeing without adding workload

• Encourages positive conversations about feelings

• Can be used flexibly across multiple ages and abilities

This resource works just as well pinned to a classroom wall as it does sent home in a wellbeing pack.

How to Use This Resource

• Print and display the challenge sheet

• Invite children to choose which challenges they want to try

• Encourage ticking off completed activities

• Talk about how different activities make them feel

• Reinforce that there is no right or wrong way to complete the challenge

The resource can be used daily, weekly, or dipped into whenever needed.

Suggestions for Use

• As a whole-class January wellbeing focus

• As part of PSHE or emotional literacy lessons

• In small groups or nurture settings

• As a home learning or family wellbeing activity

• As a calm start-of-day or end-of-day routine

It can also be paired with mindfulness sessions, creative activities, or reflective discussions.

Building Mindful Habits Throughout the Year

While this challenge is designed for January, the habits it supports go far beyond one month. Noticing feelings, practising kindness, slowing down, and tuning into the world around us are skills children benefit from all year long.

If your child enjoys this challenge, and you are not yet a member, why not sign up to a plan? Our subscriptions start from just £3.49 a month to access all 1000+ wellbeing resources, helping you build mindful habits and support emotional regulation all year round.

Download our New Year Yellow January Wellbeing Challenge today and make your start to the year brighter and happier!