Middle schoolers juggle a lot. From academic pressures to social dynamics, it can be a whirlwind. That’s why Erin Sutherlin, Middle School Counselor, and the sixth-grade teaching team created Mental Health Day: a dedicated time for students to pause, reflect, and recharge. They designed a day filled with activities to help students learn about mental health, reduce stress, and boost their overall well-being. Prioritizing their mental health, students emerge from the day feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the year.
After a rotation of morning sessions with CHADS Coalition presenters, who offer programs to advance the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide, the sixth-graders joined de-stress sessions that included a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating activities to help unwind and recharge.
Morning Sessions
Paper Airplanes: Students joined this session for an awesome paper airplane-building workshop! Together, they discovered the secrets of the world’s furthest sailing paper airplanes, then had fun trying to fold and fly their own creations.
Animals on the Loose…You vs. Wild with Bear Grylls: When wild animals escape from a sanctuary, Bear Grylls leads students through a “choose your own adventure” game to pursue the animals and secure their protective habitat!
Afternoon Sessions
Bracelet Making: Students enjoyed a laid-back and creative session of friendship bracelet making, where they chose vibrant strings, experimented with various patterns, and exchanged their masterpieces with friends. This fun and relaxing activity fosters a sense of camaraderie while offering a welcome break from the demands of school, providing an enjoyable space for self-expression and connection.
Reading in Nature: Sixth graders spent time relaxing and reading their favorite book outside surrounded by nature and fresh air.
Board Games: Students had a blast playing games such as Hangman, Sorry, and Twister, making new friends, and learning how to keep their minds happy and healthy!
Stress Relief with Doodle Breathing: Students embraced the healing power of creativity and enjoyed the opportunity to draw and doodle while practicing breathing techniques to relieve emotions.
Take a Hike: Sixth graders discovered the great trails and walking paths of MICDS on a hike with their peers.
Rock Art: Students listened to soothing music while creating remarkable painted rocks to hide in the sixth-grade classrooms for teachers to discover.
Virtual Calming Room: Students used this time to listen to calming sounds, practice breathing techniques, watch relaxing videos, and more. Sixth graders also familiarized themselves with these resources so they can continue using them all year long.
Sutherlin shared, “I was very proud of the student’s response and engagement to the CHADS presentation that helped students become more aware of anxiety and depression. The variety of experiences and activities offered on Mental Health Day allowed students to rest their bodies and minds and provided time to have fun with their peers and teachers.”