Winter Wellness Challenge!

Objective: To encourage students to actively incorporate winter wellness strategies into their daily lives.

Materials:

• Winter Wellness Worksheet
• Art supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils - optional)
• Optional: Large paper or poster board for a class display for younger students.

Instructions:

1. Individual Wellness Plan (10-15 minutes):

   • Distribute the Winter Wellness Worksheet to each student.
   • Explain that they will create their own personal "Winter Wellness Plan" using the strategies discussed (Light, Movement, Nutrition, Connection).
   • Encourage them to draw pictures, write words, or both, depending on their age and comfort level. For younger students, focus more on drawing and simple words. For older students, encourage more detailed writing and reflection.
   • Circulate around the classroom to provide support and answer any questions.

2. Share and Inspire (5-10 minutes):

   • Invite students to share one or two ideas from their Winter Wellness Worksheet with a partner, small group, or the whole class.
   • For younger students, you might have them share their favorite drawing. For older students, they can explain a strategy they plan to implement.

3. Optional Extension: Class Winter Wellness Display (10-15 minutes):

   • For younger students: Have them draw or write one key idea from their worksheet on a larger piece of paper to contribute to a class "Winter Wellness Wall" or "Blah-Buster Bulletin Board."
   • For older students: Encourage them to write a short pledge or goal based on their worksheet to add to a class display.

Differentiation:

• Younger Students: Provide sentence starters or templates for the worksheet. Focus on drawing and simple identification of strategies. More teacher guidance during the activity.
• Older Students: Encourage more detailed self-reflection and critical thinking on the worksheet. Ask them to consider potential challenges and solutions for implementing strategies.

Teacher Notes: This activity is designed to make the wellness strategies concrete and personal for each student. The sharing component helps reinforce learning and builds a sense of community. The optional display creates a visual reminder of their commitments.

My Winter Wellness Plan: Beating the Blahs!

Winter can be a fun time, but sometimes the shorter, colder days can make us feel a little bit blah. Don't worry, it's normal! This worksheet will help you create your own plan to stay happy and energized all winter long.

1. Let There Be Light!

• How can you get more natural light during the day? (Think about windows, going outside, etc.)

• Draw a picture of you enjoying some natural light!

2. Get Up and Go!

• What are some fun ways you can move your body, even when it's cold outside? (Think about dancing, playing, helping with chores, etc.)

• Draw a picture of your favorite winter activity that gets you moving!

3. Fuel Your Fun!

• What are some healthy and delicious foods that give you energy and make you feel good?

• Draw your favorite healthy snack or meal!

4. Connect & Share!

• How can you stay connected with friends and family during the winter? (Think about talking, playing, writing, etc.)

• Draw a picture of you connecting with someone you care about!

My Winter Wellness Pledge!

I will try to (write or draw one thing you will do to beat the blahs!):

Winter Wellness: Beating the Blahs Discussion

Objective: To facilitate a meaningful conversation among students about the impact of seasonal changes on well-being and to collectively brainstorm strategies for maintaining a positive outlook during winter.

Guidelines for Discussion:

• Listen respectfully to each other's ideas.
• Everyone's feelings are valid – there's no right or wrong way to feel about winter.
• Be prepared to share your thoughts and examples.

Part 1: Acknowledging the Blahs (5-10 minutes)

1. Opening Question: How do the changing seasons, especially winter, make you feel? (e.g., more tired, less energetic, happier, cozy). Is there anything you dislike or find challenging about winter?
   
   
   
2. Personal Experiences: Can anyone share a time when they felt the "winter blahs"? What did that feel like? (Emphasize that it's okay to share and that many people feel this way).
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Exploring Solutions Together (10-15 minutes)

Referencing the strategies discussed in the Winter Wellness Slide Deck:

1. Light Exposure: What are some creative ways we can get more natural light, even on a cloudy winter day or when we're mostly indoors? Think outside the box!
   
   
   
2. Movement: Besides traditional sports, what are some fun and easy ways to stay active during the colder months? How can we make movement a game or a family activity?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Nutrition: How does eating healthy foods make you feel, especially compared to eating a lot of sugary snacks? What are some of your favorite "feel-good" foods that give you energy?
   
   
   
4. Social Connection: Why is it important to spend time with friends and family, even when it's cold outside? What are some ways we can connect with people we care about?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Committing to Wellness (5 minutes)

1. Personal Commitment: Looking at all the strategies, what is one thing you are going to try this week to beat the "winter blahs" and boost your wellness? Why did you choose that one?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Classroom Support: How can we, as a class, support each other in staying positive and well during the winter months? Are there things we can do together?