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Goal 3 - Good Health & Well-beingBoxes of Joy
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Big Idea
The idea was to give mental health and self expression a lift through a whole school creative challenge - to bring joy alive.
Type of Activity:
This activity was delivered during the month of Advent, to build on excitement and goodwill in the run up to Christmas. It can be adapted to take place during Ramadan in preparation for Eid, or indeed to support secular celebrations such as Random Acts of Kindness Day, World Happiness Day or Mental Health Awareness Week.
Who is it for?
Ages 11 to 16.
What do I need?
Shoe boxes, art and craft materials.
How long does it take?
2-3 hours to complete art work.
Introduction
Challenge students to plan, design and create a shoebox for Advent/Christmas, so that the recipients are happy when they open it.
Put a smile on their lips.
Encourage students to work independently, supporting each other with tasks and promote informal dialogue.
Display completed shoebox designs, to provide a visual representation of joy and fun.
Put a smile on their lips.
Encourage students to work independently, supporting each other with tasks and promote informal dialogue.
Display completed shoebox designs, to provide a visual representation of joy and fun.
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What next
Assign each class a designated letter of the alphabet. Every day during Advent, a new class designs and hangs something contemplative on their room door: a saying, a riddle, a song or a contemplative "quiz", in which their special letter is highlighted. Students observe and discuss the "beautiful thoughts" shared by their peers and collect the letter clues, as each class display is added around the school building.
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Finally
At the end - in the last week of school before the Christmas holidays - the hidden letters are revealed and rearranged to form a message of hope. For example, a sentence with the wish:
"Tolle Weihnachstsferien !!“, "Great Christmas Holidays !!“
Attractive prizes are awarded from the correct solutions (drawn from a hat) and a prize such as a "kicker" (a soccer table) is awarded to the winning class display.
"Tolle Weihnachstsferien !!“, "Great Christmas Holidays !!“
Attractive prizes are awarded from the correct solutions (drawn from a hat) and a prize such as a "kicker" (a soccer table) is awarded to the winning class display.
Find out more
International Day of Happiness: International Day of Happiness - 20 March
World Health Day 7 April: World Health Day | UNA-UK
Mental Health Awareness Week (UK event in May): Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
World Health Day 7 April: World Health Day | UNA-UK
Mental Health Awareness Week (UK event in May): Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation
