Year 1 Wellbeing & life skills

Chapters to explore

Feelings give us information about our experience. Happy, worried, excited and disappointed are some feeling words. Different people may feel differently in the same situation. A feeling is not wrong, but we can choose how to act.

Try it: Draw or choose a feeling word for an imaginary character.

A trusted adult listens, takes your concerns seriously and helps you stay safe. You can ask for help even if you are unsure how to explain. If the first person cannot help, keep telling another trusted adult.

Try it: Name trusted helpers privately with a parent or carer. Do not enter names in the app.

Inclusion means helping people belong and take part. Ask what someone would enjoy rather than deciding for them. People may need different equipment or roles. An invitation should give a choice, not pressure someone to join.

Try it: Adapt a simple game so two different ways of joining are possible.

People have personal boundaries. Ask before touching someone or borrowing something. A person can say no, and their answer should be respected. Tell a trusted adult if someone ignores a boundary or makes you feel unsafe.

Try it: Practise asking, saying no and responding respectfully.

Looking after ourselves includes washing, rest, suitable food, water and movement. Adults help children choose routines that fit their needs. A routine is a useful sequence, not a reason to judge another family. Ask for help when something is difficult.

Try it: Make a picture sequence for one familiar routine with an adult.

Movement can include reaching, rolling, walking or dancing in ways that suit your body. Check the space and use suitable equipment. Rest when needed, and tell an adult if something hurts or feels wrong. Enjoyment matters more than comparing bodies.

Try it: Choose a comfortable movement game with an adult.

A conversation works when people have a chance to speak and be heard. Look or listen in a way that is comfortable for you. Wait for a pause and respond to the idea. Different communication methods, including pictures or signs, can help.

Try it: Take turns telling a short story using words, signs or pictures.

Everyone makes mistakes. Notice what happened, acknowledge it and ask how to help repair the problem. An apology is more useful when followed by a helpful action. A mistake does not make someone a bad person.

Try it: Discuss how an imaginary character could repair a small mistake.

Shared places belong to a community of users. Putting materials away and treating living things carefully helps others. Ask an adult before handling unfamiliar plants, animals or litter. Choose a small action you can do safely.

Try it: Choose one safe way to care for a shared space.

Learning together

Each chapter brings together teaching, an example, practice and a practical discovery. Use the material with discussion and suitable offline activities. Choose a comfortable starting point and revisit explanations as needed.