Mood Bear - Nervous Bear

Nervous Bear, a dark green bear adorned with a nervous emoji on its paw, can be an effective tool in promoting positive mental health in children by addressing various aspects of their emotional and cognitive development. Through relatable storytelling and interactive play, Nervous Bear can help children develop vital skills.

Nervous Bear can guide children through scenarios where they encounter challenges or puzzles. By encouraging children to think critically and explore different solutions, Nervous Bear can help them develop analytical skills and confidence in their ability to tackle problems. Through guided questions and supportive dialogue, children learn to approach obstacles methodically and creatively, fostering a sense of accomplishment and resilience.

Nervous Bear can act as a positive example by tackling challenges and persisting even after initial setbacks. Through sharing tales of determination and acknowledging small successes, Nervous Bear can impart to children the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. This approach can aid children in developing a growth mindset, emphasizing that hard work and tenacity are vital in conquering obstacles and reaching their objectives.

Nervous Bear's lessons on emotional intelligence extend to recognizing and naming emotions, which is a crucial first step in managing them. Through stories and role-playing scenarios, children learn to identify their feelings and understand that all emotions are valid. Nervous Bear encourages an environment where feelings are openly discussed and respected, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among peers.

Parents and educators can also benefit from Nervous Bear's approach by incorporating these techniques into daily routines. Simple practices like setting aside time for reflection or engaging in group activities that promote emotional sharing can create a supportive atmosphere. By modeling these behaviors, adults help reinforce the importance of emotional well-being and provide children with the tools they need to navigate their emotional landscape with confidence and resilience.

In essence, Nervous Bear serves as a gentle guide, helping children and those around them build a foundation for a lifetime of emotional health and positive self-expression.

Overall, Nervous Bear can be a comforting and educational companion for children, guiding them through the intricacies of emotional and cognitive development with empathy and encouragement. By promoting positive mental health habits in a relatable and engaging way, Nervous Bear empowers children to navigate their inner worlds with greater confidence and resilience.

Example lesson plan:

Subject: PSHE    Duration: 60 minutes     Objective: Students will understand and articulate their emotions, practice relaxation techniques, and develop conflict resolution skills using Mood Bears.
Materials Needed: Mood Bears (8 different bears representing different emotions)
Circle time mat
Calm music for relaxation
Conflict resolution cards/questions
Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Outline:
1. Introduction and Circle Time (15 minutes)
Objective: Facilitate a discussion about emotions using Mood Bears.Greeting and Warm-Up: Welcome students and have them sit in a circle. Briefly introduce the Mood Bears and explain how each bear represents a different emotion (e.g., Happy Bear, Sad Bear, Angry Bear, etc.).
Discussion: Pass around each bear and ask students to share a time when they felt the emotion represented by the bear. Encourage them to use phrases like “I felt
____ when ____.”
Engagement: Highlight the importance of recognising and talking about emotions.

2. Guided Relaxation Exercise (15 minutes)
Objective: Help children unwind and destress using the Mood Bears.
Preparation: Dim the lights and play calming music. Have each student pick a Mood Bear they feel connected to at the moment.
Relaxation Technique: Lead the students through a guided relaxation exercise. Instruct them to cuddle their Mood Bear, close their eyes, and take deep breaths. Guide them through relaxing each body part from head to toe.
Reflection: After the exercise, ask students how they feel and if the Mood Bear helped them relax. Discuss the importance of taking time to relax and de-stress.

3. Conflict Resolution Activity (20 minutes)

Objective: Teach children to communicate their feelings and find peaceful solutions to conflicts using Mood Bears.

Scenario Introduction: Present a simple conflict scenario relevant to their age group(e.g., “Two students want to play with thesame toy.”). Role-Playing: In pairs, have students use the Mood Bears to express their feelings about the conflict. For example, one student holds the Angry Bear to show they are upset, while the other holds the Nervous Bear.

Guidance: Facilitate the role-play,encouraging students to listen to each other and find a compromise or solution. Provide conflict resolution cards/questions to guide their discussion if needed.

4. Conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce the day's learning and encourage ongoing use of Mood Bears.

Discussion: Ask students to share one thing they learned about emotions, relaxation, or conflict resolution.

Feedback: Allow students to give feedback on the activities and how they felt using the Mood Bears.

Encouragement: Encourage students to use the Mood Bears throughoutthe school day whenever they need support with their emotions.

Homework/Extension Activity: Ask students to draw a picture of their favorite Mood Bear and write a short story about a time when the bear helped them with their emotions.

Assessment: Observe student participation and engagement during activities. Review student reflections and stories to assess their understanding and application of emotional intelligence concepts.