School Suggestions Box Activity for World Mental Health Day 2024 – FREE Printable Resource

This World Mental Health Day, we’re focusing on “Mental Health in the Workplace,” which includes looking after our mental health as we work, whether as adults in jobs or students in schools. To celebrate this important day on 10th October, we're offering a FREE School Suggestions Box Activity printable. Designed to engage students in discussions about their well-being, this resource invites children and teens to share suggestions on how to improve their school environment to better support their mental health.

About This Resource

Our School Suggestions Box Activity provides a meaningful way for students to voice their thoughts on what impacts their mental health in school. The printable comes with space for them to write their suggestions, either anonymously or with their name included. Why not set up a physical suggestions box in the classroom or school hallway to collect these worksheets? You may be surprised by the thoughtful and insightful ideas students can share, offering opportunities for real improvements to the school environment.

Features

• Printable Suggestions Worksheet: A simple, user-friendly sheet where students can write down their suggestions.
• Customisable: Students can choose to submit their ideas anonymously or with their names attached.
• Encourages Participation: Prompts children and teens to reflect on the factors that impact their mental health in the school setting.
• Suitable for All Ages: Can be used with both younger children and older teens to promote conversations about well-being.

Benefits

• Encourages Open Dialogue: This activity creates a safe space for children to share their thoughts about what would improve their school experience, encouraging them to feel heard.
• Promotes Emotional Awareness: Asking students to think about their well-being helps them become more self-aware, which is essential for emotional literacy.
• Boosts School Community Engagement: By involving students in decisions about school improvements, this resource promotes a sense of community and belonging, helping them feel valued.
• Supports Mental Health: Empowering students to share their ideas gives them a sense of control and involvement in shaping a positive learning environment.
• Anonymous Option: Giving students the choice to submit suggestions anonymously makes them feel more comfortable sharing their honest feelings and ideas.

World Mental Health Day 2024 and the Theme of Mental Health in the Workplace

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme focuses on Mental Health in the Workplace. Just as adults need support in their professional lives, children also need to be supported in their "workplace"—the school environment. This resource ties into the theme by encouraging children to think about what makes them feel good or stressed at school and what changes could be made to support their mental health. By making children feel that their opinions matter, schools can promote a healthier, more compassionate learning space.

Why Use a Suggestions Box?

Suggestions boxes are a fantastic tool to give everyone in the school a voice, even those who might be too shy to speak up directly. They allow children to reflect on their feelings and experiences, helping educators to identify patterns or issues that may need addressing. Whether it's improving playground spaces, introducing more brain breaks, or adding quiet areas for students who need time to decompress, suggestions boxes can lead to meaningful, student-driven change. Plus, they provide teachers with invaluable insights into how students are feeling, allowing for early intervention and support where needed.

How to Use the Suggestions Box Activity in Schools

1. Introduce the Activity: Explain to students that World Mental Health Day is about promoting well-being and this year’s theme is mental health in the workplace—like their "workplace" at school.
2. Encourage Participation: Distribute the printable suggestions worksheets and tell students they can write down or draw their ideas for improving well-being at school. Let them know they can submit their ideas anonymously if they prefer.
3. Create a Suggestions Box: Set up a physical box in a communal area of the school, such as the classroom, the hallway, or the library, and let students know where to submit their worksheets. Or simply ask students to fold their worksheets and collect.
4. Review and Discuss: As suggestions come in, take time to review them with colleagues. Some ideas might be easy to implement, while others could inspire larger conversations about school policy and well-being.
5. Turn Suggestions into Action: Implement feasible suggestions that can improve students’ mental health and make the school a more supportive environment.

The School Suggestions Box Activity is a simple yet powerful tool for World Mental Health Day 2024, giving children a voice in how their school can support their well-being. This resource not only encourages students to think about their mental health but also offers an opportunity for schools to act on these insights, creating a more compassionate and supportive learning environment.