ABSTRACT
As emotions such as anxiety, depression, confusion and anger shut down cognitive pathways, it makes sense to promote the positive wherever possible, so that all children can learn and thrive. This chapter includes the beliefs, skills and communications that foster healthy relationships, the power of laughter, positive thinking, awareness of inner discourse, solution-focused approaches, identifying strengths and encouraging both kindness and playfulness in the classroom. The chapter stresses the importance of free play both for learning and development and for mental health and wellbeing. Denise Quinlan writes about her research on a strengths approach for positive school culture, and Therese Hoyle on ways to generate positive playtimes.
Putting Positivity into practice in the early years includes how practitioners might support parents. The chapter also addresses teacher wellbeing and how gratitude might permeate a school culture. SEL includes activities on mindfulness, blessings and an example from the Wellbeing Stories on what to do about the worry wart!
