Strong Minds, Kind Hearts
Strong Minds, Kind Hearts is a proactive, skills-based mental health program designed to empower students in Grades 3–5 with tools for understanding and supporting their emotional well-being. Through stories, discussions, creative projects, and hands-on activities, students learn how to manage stress, build empathy, identify and talk about their feelings, and support their peers. The program encourages a growth mindset, self-care, and positive relationships—all within a safe, inclusive classroom culture that promotes mental wellness for all.
🎯 Program Goals:
📚 What Students Will Learn:
🧠 Sample Activities:
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Develop Emotional Intelligence: Help students identify, understand, and express their emotions effectively.
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Strengthen Coping and Self-Regulation Skills: Teach practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions.
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Encourage Empathy and Social Support: Foster understanding and compassion toward others, and normalize asking for help.
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Promote Growth Mindset and Self-Care: Encourage positive thinking, perseverance, and healthy habits for mind and body.
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Cultivate Inclusive, Caring Classrooms: Build safe spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
Knowledge
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Vocabulary for a wide range of emotions beyond “happy,” “sad,” and “angry”
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How thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected
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Common stressors and how to recognize signs of stress or anxiety
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What self-care means and how it supports mental health
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That empathy and kindness build strong friendships and communities
Skills
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Identifying and naming emotions in themselves and others
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Using calming strategies (breathing, mindfulness, movement, journaling)
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Practicing positive self-talk and growth mindset statements
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Active listening and supportive communication
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Solving conflicts respectfully and asking for help when needed
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Feelings Journal
Students keep a personal journal to reflect on emotions, challenges, and what helps them feel better. -
Stress Toolbox Craft
Students create a “toolbox” (real or paper-based) filled with strategies they can use when feeling overwhelmed (e.g., breathing, drawing, talking to someone). -
Empathy Interviews
In pairs, students ask each other questions about times they felt misunderstood, then share ways they could show empathy in similar situations. -
Mindful Minutes
Start or end class with one-minute breathing or stretching exercises to practice calming the mind and body. -
Growth Mindset Challenge
Students identify a skill they’re working on and track their effort using affirmations like “I’m not there yet, but I’m growing.”
🌿 Environmental & Social Connections
🎁 Wrap-Up Projects:
📈 Program Outcomes:
Social Learning
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Promotes positive peer relationships by emphasizing kindness, listening, and inclusion
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Encourages healthy communication and conflict resolution in group settings
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Reinforces the idea that everyone’s mental health matters—and looks different
Mental Wellness Culture
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Integrates mental health topics into everyday classroom life
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Encourages students to be “wellness leaders” in their class or school
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Supports connections between emotional wellness and learning, behavior, and friendships
Project Options
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Class Wellness Zine: Students each create a page for a classroom booklet with tips, drawings, and reflections on emotional wellness.
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“Strong Mind, Kind Heart” Posters: Students design posters that teach others how to handle stress or show kindness.
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Peer Wellness Workshop: Small groups lead short activities for younger students (e.g., a breathing game or feelings story).
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Self-Care Vision Boards: Students use art and collage to illustrate what taking care of themselves looks like.
Short-Term
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Students have increased confidence in naming and managing emotions.
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The classroom culture becomes more supportive, calm, and inclusive.
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Students are better able to recognize when they or others need support.
Long-Term
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Students develop stronger emotional resilience and self-regulation skills.
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Peer relationships improve, with more empathy and fewer conflicts.
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Students feel empowered to care for their mental health and contribute to a positive school climate.