Teach-Primary-Issue-20.1

Develop pupils’ emotional literacy, resilience, and confidence with this whole-school programme MELVA 1 A WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO WELLBEING MELVA brings wellbeing into everyday school life, using the character Melva Mapletree to help pupils build emotional literacy, resilience and self- management. “It’s brilliant to have a shared language for feelings across all year groups,” says one teacher. Designed for all pupils, not just those struggling, MELVA fosters a preventative culture. A MELVA license, worth £1000 per year to a school, is currently free for a limited time. 2 ENGAGING STORIES THAT OPEN UP CONVERSATIONS Through storytelling, animation, games and an illustrated novel, MELVA can explore anxiety, grief, friendships and peer pressure. Humorous, lovable characters, give children a safe space to reflect and discuss feelings. “The children really engage and open up in ways you don’t always see,” reports a Key Stage 2 teacher. MELVA is a creative way to embed PSHE in a fun and engaging way. 3 GROWING WITH PUPILS MELVA evolves with pupils from Key Stage 1 to Year 6. Younger children focus on emotional literacy, while older pupils explore self-image, transitions, worries and grief. Consistent use builds familiarity and a shared vocabulary. “We can see real improvements in confidence and how children handle tricky emotions,” says a Year 5 teacher. Year-on-year engagement fosters empathy and problem-solving and brings wellbeing into everyday learning, equipping children with skills they can carry throughout life. 4 SUPPORTING TEACHERS AND CURRICULUM LINKS MELVA supports staff as well as pupils. The curriculum-linked activities help deliver PSHE by meeting wellbeing learning objectives. Based on frameworks including the NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing, lessons are structured yet flexible, supporting literacy, oracy, resilience, empathy and teamwork. Drama-based activities develop children’s focus, self-awareness and confidence, so teachers can embed wellbeing with minimal prep. 5 EVIDENCE-LED, CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL Co-created with teachers, mental health professionals, parents and children, MELVA embeds wellbeing consistently across the curriculum. The portal tracks progress with pupils showing strong improvements in understanding mental health topics and in practical self- management techniques. “It’s amazing to see children applying what they’ve learned to real-life situations,” says a Year 6 teacher. KEY POINTS CREATIVE APPROACH TO WELLBEING EDUCATION Teachers choose from our episodic film, games, book and animated series, to tailor lessons to meet wellbeing outcomes confidently. ADAPTABLE LESSON PLANS AND RESOURCES Each lesson plan with resources can be adapted to a range of settings, including assemblies, intervention groups and weekly PSHE classes. TEACHER TOOLKIT AND CPD Annual CPD sessions digitally and in person to support all teaching staff to deliver wellbeing outcomes while keeping well themselves. AWARD-WINNING PROGRAMME Finalist Wellbeing Resource at Bett Awards, Winner of PSHE Education award at Children & Young People Now Awards. REASONS TO TRY… 5 30 SECOND BRIEFING MELVA is a whole-school wellbeing programme using storytelling, games and digital resources to help primary pupils develop emotional literacy, resilience, self-management and confidence while supporting teachers to deliver PSHE effectively. Contact: Phone: 0191 580 1250 Email: melva@ mortalfools.org.uk Visit: melva.org.uk www.teachwire.net | 31 PARTNER CONT ENT