New Grade 7/8 Mental Health Literacy Modules
Posted on 02/27/2024
This fall, the Ministry of Education has introduced a series of three modules per grade to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within the Grades 7 and 8 Health and Physical Education curriculum. This series of three, 40-minute modules per grade will be delivered by educators to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within Strand D of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. They’re not new learning – they offer ways to enhance the delivery of the existing curriculum and focus on mental health literacy.
This learning will help equip students with inclusive, culturally responsive, evidence-informed knowledge, skills, and strategies to support their mental health and well-being. They align with and enhance the work we do in Limestone District School Board to support student well-being.
The modules were informed by extensive consultation with parents/caregivers, students, cultural and community organizations.
There are important reasons to bring these modules into the classroom:
• Students want to learn more about mental health at school.
• This learning helps students develop skills that support positive mental health.
• Mental health learning supports learning in all other areas.
• This learning can encourage conversations and help students in need reach support.
• As caring adults in the lives of young people, we want students to be well!
To support the implementation of these lessons, the Mental Health Lead has been sharing information at targeted staff meetings and hosting voluntary, weekly drop-in sessions during the month of February. Information sharing has also occurred with LDSB’s Mental Health and Substance Use Leadership Committee, Parent Involvement Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, and the KFL&A Parent Advisory Committee.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Laura Conboy, Mental Health Lead ([email protected]) or Scot Gillam, Superintendent of Curriculum & Program Services: Student Support Services ([email protected]).