ELSA Update – A Productive Half Term

We have had a very productive half term in ELSA, and we would like to say a huge well done to all of the ELSA children who have worked extremely hard during their sessions. Their commitment and enthusiasm have been wonderful to see.

Throughout the half term, we have covered a wide range of important topics to support children’s emotional wellbeing.

Friendships and Relationships

We spent time exploring why it is important to be nurturing and caring in our interactions with friends, family, and the wider community. The children learned how care and empathy help to create trust, a sense of belonging, and emotional safety within relationships. We also identified simple, everyday ways to be nurturing and reflected on how this can positively impact our own emotional wellbeing and happiness.

Managing Worries

Some children focused on understanding worries and learning how to make plans to help manage them. We explored how strong feelings can build up and sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. The children learned how to recognise early signs of becoming overwhelmed, how worries can be felt in both our bodies and minds, and how worries can affect our thoughts as well as our physical sensations.

Caring for Ourselves and Others

Another key focus in our sessions was exploring strategies for caring for ourselves and others. Children learned to recognise moments where kindness and support can create positive change. We also used affirmations to help build self-esteem, practised saying what we are good at, giving ourselves compliments, and beginning to believe in ourselves.

Well done once again to all of the ELSA children — you have had another fantastic half term. We hope everyone has a happy and safe Christmas break, and we look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.

Mrs Spooner and Mr Howell

This half term in ELSA, we’ve been learning lots of lovely ways to relax our bodies and calm our minds.

The children have had so much fun getting creative — from making their own calming potions to designing special SERENE flip books that remind them how to stay peaceful and in control.

We also made colourful Serene Moments Vision Boards, helping us think about what calm looks and feels like.

Everyone has enjoyed trying different breathing and relaxation activities, which have helped us feel calm and focused.

To finish off all our learning, the children have put together their very own Coping Skills Toolkits — full of great ideas and strategies they can use whenever they have big feelings.

Our theme this month has been Optimistic October. Through lots of fun activities, we’ve been learning how to look on the bright side, believe in ourselves, and enjoy our learning and everyday adventures.

Well done to all our amazing ELSA children — you’ve been fantastic this half term!
We’re so proud of all your hard work and positivity, and we can’t wait to see what next half term brings!