Children's Mental Health Week Activities

Discover ten ways to connect with others through nature.

03 February 2023

This week (6-12 February) marks Children’s Mental Health Week, Place2Be’s annual initiative to help shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

This year’s theme is ‘Let's Connect’. Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When we have healthy connections – to family, friends and others – this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. And when our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely – which can have a negative impact on our mental health. Gardening allows us to spend time in the outdoors, nurture and be proud of something, and connect with peers or new people. 

Here are ten ways to support children and young people to connect with nature.
 

1. Grow pea shoots with The Creative Gardener



This creative gardening project guides children through the process of growing their own pea shoots from dried peas.By stepping into the shoes of a gardener, children can nurture a belief in their ability to care for, and positively impact the world around them. Each stage from sowing to harvesting includes an art and gardening activity accompanied by reflective prompts. Pea seeds sprout quickly all year round, and within two weeks there will be pea shoots to taste and share.

Download it here
 

2. Create a display in your classroom

Display some of the plants you are growing in communal areas at your school. Get your pupils talking by displaying fun facts or ‘did you know?’ questions about your gardening project nearby.
 

3. Go on a sensory scavenger hunt


Lots of us are used to using our eyes, ears and even noses to observe the world around us, but what about physical touch? Take a moment to notice the nature around you in a different way with our sensory game. This activity is all about paying attention to the present moment.

Get started
 

4. Use circle time

Collect some natural materials from your school garden or local green space to use during circle time. Pass your finds around the circle, asking your pupils to describe what the items feel like or share a memory they invoke.
 

5. Make art in the garden


Nature can be brought into so many classes, including art. Why not introduce your students to artists such as Andy Goldsworthy who uses the outdoors as his inspiration, William Morris who used many plant forms in his designs or Mondrian whose graphic images feature colour blocks. Have a go at creating your own artwork in a style of your choice, using natural materials that you find out and about. This helps children and young people notice nature's beauty and feel alive through the emotions and feelings that nature can bring. 

Create your own
 

6. Introduce a buddy system 

Set up a buddy growing system in your class with some simple seed to plant projects. 
 

7. Grow microgreens

Microgreens are quick to grow and don’t require much attention to thrive. Ask your pupils to set up a watering schedule in their pairs and share the plants growing progress with each other when it’s their turn.
 

8. Draw a sound map


Sound mapping with young people is a positive experience for children and young people, boosting confidence and enhancing locational knowledge. This exercise allows children to tune into nature through the senses and explore the sounds made by birds, trees, insects and different weather patterns.

Have a go

9. Write a diary

If looking after your growing area is split across a form or class, add a garden diary to help update the next group about what has been happening in the space and share what they have enjoyed with others.
 

10. Share with family and friends

Growing to share is an easy way to spread the joy of plants and connect with others. The next time you are sowing new seeds, sow a few extra that can be given as gifts to other pupils, staff members or parents and guardians when they are seedlings.
 


If you're looking for more activities like this, have a look at our Sensory sensations growing topic. From lavender bags and perfume to wind chimes and rain sticks, it's all about using garden-based activities to explore the senses.

We'd love to hear how you've connected with the outdoors for Children's Mental Health Week - share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram