Resources for learning and teaching in SPHE The teaching and learning resources in this Toolkit have been carefully selected to support teachers in planning for Junior Cycle SPHE. They are not a prescriptive list of teaching and learning resources as each teacher/school and class will decide what resources are best suited to their needs. Young people in junior cycle are typically aged between 12-15/16 years. They are at different stages of emotional, social and physical development and each young person will bring a wide variation of life experiences to their learning in SPHE. These resources in the Toolkit were developed for this age group by a State agency or organisation with a proven educational track record in the area of SPHE. To faciltate planning, the resources have been carefully mapped against the Junior Cycle SPHE learning outcomes. However, the relevance and appropriateness of each resource needs to be considered by the SPHE teacher, since the teacher is best placed to discern which resources are suited to supporting learning in the context of their students’ unique needs, stage of development and school context. The criteria for selection of resources can be accessed here. Classroom resources for 2016 Junior Cycle SPHE short course Strand 1: Who am I? How I see myself 1.1 Appreciate the importance of building their own self-esteem and that of others 1.2 Welcome individual difference based on an appreciation of their own uniqueness For the classroom: Understanding myself and others: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 3: My achievements so far Activity 4: I am unique Activity 6: Belonging and connection b4udecide: HSE resource (2013). Lesson 9: Self Esteem More than just a selfie programme: By Bodywhys – see especially Lessons 1 and 2 which examine the influence of social media on body image and self-esteem. Ditch the Monkey: A short animation video (1.20mins) by Spunout.ie (2014) which could be used a stimulus for classroom discussion. Background reading for the teacher: Reasons for feeling bad about yourself and Ways to feel good: Information by the HSE (2013). Dealing with self-criticism: Advice for young people by Jigsaw (2021). Body image and mental health: Advice for young people by Jigsaw (2021). Let's Talk Body Image: Article from the West of Ireland Sexuality Education Resource (WISER) on how body image influences self-esteem and ways to develop a more positive body image. ISPCC Parenting Hub: Material provided by the ISPCC which is suitable for children of all ages (2018). Being an adolescent​ 1.3 participate in informed discussions about the impact of physical, psychological and social development in adolescence 1.4 recognise how sexuality and gender identity is part of what it means to be human and has biological, psychological, cultural, social and spiritual dimensions For the classroom: Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 8: Changes in adolescence Activity 3: Gender diversity and inclusion Activity 4: Sexual orientation Background reading for the teacher: Adolescent Health: Information by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on adolescent development. ISPCC Parenting Hub: A resource for parents and teachers in supporting your child through puberty (2018). The Sexuality Wheel: a HSE resource which highlights the many elements that make up a person’s sexuality. Sexual diversity and accepting sexuality: A B4uDecide resource on sexual diversity and understanding diverse sexual identities. My trans story: A personal story as told by a Jigsaw volunteer. I think I might be transgender: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. BeLonG To Youth Services - YouTube Gender Identity and Gender Expression E-Resource for Second-level Schools: By the School of Education, University of Limerick and the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) (2020). 'Parenting Positively - Teenage Well-being' eBook by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). Self-management 1.5 identify short, medium and long-term personal goals and ways in which they might be achieved 1.6 apply decision-making skills in a variety of situations 1.7 source appropriate and reliable information about health and wellbeing For the classroom: Understanding myself and others: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 5: Goal setting Goal setting lesson: by NCGE and Careersportal (2020). b4udecide: resource by the HSE (2013). Lesson 8: Making decisions Emotional Regulation Activities for Tweens and Teens: Information about techniques teenagers can use to regulate their emotions. Resilience: Developed for 12-16 year olds by Reachout, Australia’s leading online youth mental health organisation. Classroom resources include activities about impulse-control, self-regulation and goal-setting. Background reading for the teacher: What are executive functioning skills?: Harvard University. Building the core skills youth need for life: Harvard University. Emotional Regulation: Information on how to support students with autism to regulate emotions. My rights and the rights of others 1.8 explain how stereotyping can contribute to a person’s understanding and experience of rights and wellbeing 1.9 appreciate the importance of respectful and inclusive behaviour in promoting a safe environment free from bias and discrimination. For the classroom: Understanding Ourselves: unit by the HSE and NEPS (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 6: Belonging and connection All Different - All Equal: Developed by the National Youth Council of Ireland (2006) - see especially Section 2: Prejudice and Discrimination ISPCC: Your Rights - UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in accessible language. Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 2: Gender stereotypes Gender Equality: by UNICEF Ireland - see especially activities 1 and 2. Spotlight on Stereotyping: A resource by the Equality Authority (2011) - see especially: Lessons 5: Boys Will be Boys and Girls Will be Girls Lesson 6: The Impact of Stereotyping Activating Social Empathy: junior cycle resource by researchers in the University of Galway. Show Racism the Red Card: (2019) Education resource. Gender stereotyping: A short video (1.27mins) from the HSE’s B4uDecide website which could be used a stimulus for classroom discussion. GenTOPIA: A digital game to promote gender equality and to tackle sexual abuse and harassment, includes a Handbook for teachers - see especially Section 1: Gender stereotyping. Background reading for the teacher: Autism good practice guidance for schools: Guidance for schools (2022) on how to support the wellbeing, learning and participation of children and young people with autism in education. Intercultural Training for Yellow Flag Schools: A training manual by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Irish Traveller Movement and Yellow Flag Programme (2015). Responding to racism guide: Guide developed by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Ireland (2019) detailing how to report racism and where to find help. Being LGBT in School: Guidance for post-primary schools (2016) on how to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying and support LGBT students. Stand Up Awareness Week: Resources by BeLongTo to support schools to organise a ‘Stand Up Awareness Week’ against homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic bullying. Transforming the classroom: Supporting Trans Young People in Schools: By the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) (2015). Challenging gender bias and stereotypes in and through education: factsheet by UNESCO (2022). Gender stereotyping: Information from the Office of the High Commissioners for Human Rights (OHCHR). Strand 2: Minding myself and others Being healthy 2.1 evaluate how diet, physical activity, sleep/rest and hygiene contribute to self-confidence, self-confidence and wellbeing 2.2 critique the impact of the media, advertising and other influences on one’s decisions about health and wellbeing 2.3 describe what promotes a sense of belonging in school, at home and in the wider community and their own role in creating an inclusive environment 2.4 distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate care giving and receiving For the classroom: Making healthy choices 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 1: What does it mean to be healthy? Activity 2: The benefits of being active Activity 3: The importance of sleep Activity 4: What is healthy eating? Activity 5: A nutrition quiz Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course.​ Activity 10: Personal hygiene The Video the Fast Food Industry Don't Want You to See... — Bite Back 2030: A short video (2.26 mins) that could be used as a stimulus to introduce the marketing and advertising of unhealthy food. Making healthy choices 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Activity 6: Talking about healthy choices - the ingredients that are used to make cigarettes Activity 7: Second-hand smoke Activity 8: E-cigatettes and vaping Connected: A resource developed by Webwise and the PDST to teach digital media literacy skills to Junior Cycle students (2020). Module 1: My Online Wellbeing More than just a selfie programme: By Bodywhys – see especially Lessons 1 and 2 which examine the influence of social media on body image and self-esteem. Ditch the Monkey: A short animation video (1.20mins) by Spunout.ie which could be used a stimulus for classroom discussion. Why Don't I Like The Way I Look?: A short animation video (4.32mins) which could be used as stimulus for classroom discussion. Understanding myself and others: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 6: Belonging and connection b4udecide: HSE resource (2013). Lesson 9: Self Esteem Connectedness and reaching out: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Classroom resources here explore the concepts of ‘connectedness’ and ‘reaching out’. It was developed for 12-18 year olds. SPHE Personal Safety Handbook: PDST (2016) lessons to support teachers in educating students about abuse and to protect themselves from harm in other situations. Lesson 1: Caregiving Young Carers’ Stories: Young people telling their stories about being a carer Background reading for the teacher: Taking a fresh look at teaching about food: Guidance from the Irish Heart Foundation (2023) for Junior Cycle SPHE teachers. Healthy Eating Training and Resources for Post Primary School Teachers (HSE) Sleep and Mental Health: Information by Jigsaw about the difficulties young people face when it comes to sleeping. Building healthy sleep routines: Developed by GROW, a national community based organisation providing support and education around emotional and mental wellbeing Findings of health behaviours of school age children in Ireland 1998-2018: University of Galway (2021). Healthy Ireland: A government-led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone. Developed by the Department of Health for people of all ages (2019). Mental Health Ireland: Five Ways to Wellbeing. Developed by the New Economics Foundation (2019). This Girl Can: Sport England campaign to encourage girls and women to be physically active. "Stop Targetting Kids": Short campaign video (1.11mins) by the Irish Heart Foundation aimed at raising awareness about junk food marketing. 5 Unhealthy Ways Digital Ads May Be Targeting Your Child: Information on how advertising for food, tobacco/e-cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and body appearance is aimed at children. Who’s feeding the kids online: Digital food marketing and children in Ireland IHF report (2016) Reasons for feeling bad about yourself and Ways to feel good: Information by the HSE (2013). Dealing with self-criticism: Advice for young people by Jigsaw (2021). Body image and mental health: Advice for young people by Jigsaw (2021). Let's Talk Body Image: Article from the West of Ireland Sexuality Education Resource (WISER) on how body image influences self-esteem and ways to develop a more positive body image. Substance use 2.5 demonstrate the personal and social skills to address pressure to smoke, to drink alcohol and/or use other substances 2.6 reflect on the personal, social and legal consequences of their own and others’ drug use 2.7 critique information and supports available for young people in relation to substance use For the classroom: Making healthy choices 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 6: Talking about healthy choices - the ingredients that are used to make cigarettes Activity 7: Second-hand smoke Activity 8: E-cigatettes and vaping Making healthy choices 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 9: The journey of alcohol through the body Activity 10: Alcohol in our society Activity 11: Alcohol myths and facts Activity 12: Exploring drugs Background reading for the teacher: Ask about alcohol: HSE website with information about how alcohol affects health and wellbeing Substance use information and resources for teachers by the HSE Young people and Alcohol – information for parents: HSE information for parents on young people and alcohol. Dealing with parental drug and alcohol problems: Barnardos Respectful communication 2.8 use the skills of active listening and responding appropriately in a variety of contexts 2.9 use good communication skills to respond to criticism and conflict For the classroom: Activating Social Empathy: junior cycle resource by researchers in the University of Galway (2023). Assertive communication: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. Marshall Rosenberg’s NonViolent Communication model can provide a useful framework for teaching communication skills (short videos are available online). Anti-bullying 2.10 describe appropriate responses to incidents of bullying 2.11 appraise the roles of participants and bystanders in incidents of bullying 2.12 review the school’s anti-bullying policy and internet safety guidelines explaining the implications for students’ behaviour and personal safety For the classroom: The Respect Effect: resource by Webwise (2023). Activating Social Empathy: junior cycle resource by researchers in the University of Galway (2023). All Different – All Equal: activities by the National Youth Council of Ireland (2006) to explore diversity, promote equality and challenge bias and discrimination. Although written for youth settings, the activities can be adapted for Junior Cycle SPHE. Section 2: Prejudice and Discrimination It’s up to You: A short video (1.44mins) by the PDST (2014) encouraging everyone to tackle online bullying.#Up2Us Anti-Bullying Kit: Ten lessons developed by Webwise (2014) which address bullying. Background reading for the teacher: Immigrant Council of Ireland: information on how to be an ally against racism. 'Helping teenagers to cope with bullying' eBook by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). Bullying: By Reachout, Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Stand Up Awareness Week: A resource to help you to organize a ‘Stand Up Awareness Week’ against homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic bullying. Being LGBT in School: Guidance for schools by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) (2016) to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying and support LGBT students. 'Stand Up' LGBT Safe & Supportive Schools Project: Resources to support schools to create a safe, supportive and fully inclusive school for young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Strand 3: Team up Having a friend and being a friend 3.1 establish what young people value in different relationships and how this changes over time 3.2 evaluate attitudes, skills and values that help to make, maintain and end friendships respectfully 3.3 recognise their capacity to extend and receive friendship For the classroom: Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course.​ Activity 5: What makes a family Activity 6: Healthy connected relationships Activity 7: Maintaining healthy relationships The Respect Effect: Resource by Webwise (2023). b4udecide: resource by the HSE (2013). Lesson 3: Friendships Lesson 4: Healthy friendships Lesson 6: The influence of friends Lesson 7: Values Respectful relationships: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. These classroom resources aim to help students identify and understand the qualities of healthy relationships and learn how to make and maintain respectful relationships. Background reading for the teacher: ‘Before you start’ sexualwellbeing.ie: Designed to help parents talk to their young children about relationships, sexuality and growing up. Also useful for teachers before starting to teach this strand. Healthy relationships: 4-page information resource by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2022). Walk away from the relationship monster: A webpage by the HSE on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. The relationship spectrum 3.4 explain the different influences on relationships and levels of intimacy 3.5 analyse relationship difficulties experienced by young people For the classroom: Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 6: Healthy connected relationships Activity 7: Maintaining healthy relationships The Respect Effect: Resource by Webwise (2023). b4udecide: resource by the HSE (2013). Lesson 10: Building a Relationship Lesson 11: Rights and Responsibilities in a Relationship Be in Ctrl: resource by Webwise (2018). Lockers: resource by Webwise (2016). Lesson 2: When Online Sharing Goes Wrong Lesson 4: Peer Pressure and non-Consensual Sharing Forever: This short video by PDST (2016) addresses the topic of sexting and potential consequences. Forever can be used to lead a class discussion or as an additional case study for the Lockers Teaching resource. No Excuses: Short video by the Department of Justice (2021) highlighting that the sharing of sexual images is a crime. Teaching about Consent in PSHE Education at Key Stages 3 and 4: Guidance and lesson plans by the PSHE Association UK (2015). Cycling Through Consent: This animated video (3.47mins) by Western University (2015) uses a fun and simple approach to looking at consent. Background reading for the teacher: Walk away from the relationship monster: A webpage by the HSE on the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Healthy relationships: 4-page information resource by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2022). Maintaining boundaries: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. Consent – What do I need to know?: A fact sheet developed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). Talking to your teenagers about relationships and sexual health: A resource for parents. Sexuality, gender identity and sexual health 3.6 describe fertility, conception, pre-natal development and birth, and the particular health considerations for each 3.7 explain what it means to take care of their sexual health 3.8 demonstrate assertive communication skills in support of responsible, informed decision-making about relationships and sexual health that are age and developmentally appropriate 3.9 reflect on the personal and social dimensions of sexual orientation and gender identity For the classroom: Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: unit by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course. Activity 3: Gender diversity and inclusion Activity 4: Sexual orientation Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 2: This HSE unit is under development. b4udecide: resource by the HSE (2013). Lesson 12: Age of Consent Lesson 13: Relationships Pressures Lesson 14: Resisting Relationships Pressures HSE website for young people developed to support the b4udecide campaign Assertive Communication lesson SPHE Personal Safety Handbook: Lessons by the PDST (2016) to support teachers in educating students about abuse and to protect themselves from harm in other situations. Cycling Through Consent: This animated video (3.47mins) by Western University (2015) uses a fun and simple approach to looking at consent. Growing up LGBT: resource by the HSE and Department of Education & Skills for use in both junior and senior Cycle. The aim of the resource is to increase awareness and understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity and to reduce levels of prejudice and discrimination against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Lesson 4: Friendship Lesson 7: Coming Out to Others Lesson 8: Relationships Lesson 9: Transgender Background reading for the teacher: Sexualwellbeing.ie: A webpage with information on all forms on contraception. Compare birth control methods: A tool to compare the effectiveness of different forms of birth control and how they are used. Your Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs): Information on sexually transmitted infections (2018). DRCC-WeConsent-Consent-Skills-Booklet.pdf (we-consent.ie) Consent – What do I need to know?: A fact sheet developed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). Consenthub.ie: This website, by University of Galway's Active*Consent, focuses on consent and how it applies to all relationships, all genders, and all sexualities. Let’s Talk About Consent (Young People’s Guide): A Guide for young people exploring the concept of consent by the National Youth Council of Ireland. Advice for Mams and Dads: Talking to your teenagers about relationships and sex: by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme. ISPCC Parenting Hub The Sexuality Wheel: a HSE resource which highlights the many elements that make up a person’s sexuality. Sexual diversity and accepting sexuality: A B4uDecide resource on sexual diversity and understanding diverse sexual identities. My trans story: A personal story as told by a Jigsaw volunteer. I think I might be transgender: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. Belongto: A website providing advice and support for LGBT young people. BeLonG To Youth Services - YouTube Gender Identity and Gender Expression E-Resource for Second-level Schools: Resource by the School of Education, University of Limerick and the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) (2020). Transforming the classroom: Supporting Trans Young People in Schools (TENI): by TENI (2015). Media influence on relationships and sexuality 3.10 critically analyse the use of sexual imagery and gender stereotyping in various forms of media 3.11 critique the influence of media on their understanding of sexuality and sexual health For the classroom: Be in Ctrl: resource by Webwise. Lesson 5: Influence of the media and gender stereotypes b4udecide: resource by the HSE (2013). Lesson 5: Influence of the media Lockers: resource by the PDST (2016) to assist schools in coping with and preventing the sharing of explicit self-generated images of minors. Lesson 2: When Online Sharing Goes Wrong Lesson 5: Influence of the media and gender stereotypes Gender Equality - Learn About the Root Causes of Gender Inequality: A resource by UNICEF Ireland - see especially Activity 3 for a number of short videos on sexism in the media, sexual objectification and related topics. Background reading for the teacher: The Let’s Get Real Youth programmes and training by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on the influence of media, culture and pornography. Culture Reframed: A website that aims to build the resilience of young people in relation to hypersexualised media and porn. 'Get With It! About Cyberbullying' eBook by National Centre for Technology in Education and the Office for Internet Safety in conjunction with Barnardos. Healthy Sexuality and Relationship Development: A resource by Tusla - see page 56, Section 2: Pornography. Pornography – What do you need to know?: A factsheet by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). Why is Porn an issue for schools?: An Australian website aimed at educating about the harm associated with children and young people’s exposure to pornography. Pornography – What do you need to know?: A fact sheet developed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). What is porn?: Childline.co.uk facts about pornography written for young people. ISPCC Parenting Hub: Online Safety Strand 4: Minding my mental health Positive mental health 4.1 explain what it means to have positive mental health 4.2 appreciate the importance of talking things over, including recognising the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour 4.3 practise some relaxation techniques For the classroom: Emotional wellbeing 1: by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course.​ Activity 1: Minding your emotional wellbeing Emotional Wellbeing Unit 1: by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course.​ Activity 2: Recognising emotions Activity 3: Thoughts, feeling and behaviours Activity 4: Pressing pause Activity 5: Helpful and unhelpful thoughts Activity 6: Challenging unhelpful thoughts Activity 7: Gratitude Activity 8: Mindfulness Connected: A resource developed by Webwise and the PDST to teach digital media literacy skills to Junior Cycle students (2020). Module 1 My Online Wellbeing Ditch The Monkey: A short animation video by Spunout.ie (2014) which can be useful for classroom conversations. Background reading for the teacher: Five Ways To Wellbeing: By Mental Health Ireland. 6 ways to take care of your mental health and well-being this World Mental Health Day: A World Health Organisation (WHO) resource with information on ways to take care of your mental health. The learning in this strand element is underpinned by approaches used in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), such as recognising the link between our thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and approaches used in positive psychology, such as, gratitude and mindfulness techniques. For information on CBT click here For information on positive psychology click here Relaxation techniques: Step-by-step instructions by NEPS. How to deal with stress: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. Five a day for your mental health: Advice for young people by Jigsaw. Be Well: Activities by Youthwork Ireland to address anxiety. ‘Friends for Life’ and ‘My Friends Youth’: School based anxiety prevention and resilience building programmes. Your mental health: HSE website with resources. Walk in My Shoes: A website with resources for young people to help combat life’s stressors and promote positive mental health in their lives. Mental Health Ireland: Resources on mental health topics. Wellbeing toolkit for post primary schools: A resource by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) (2020) in the context of Covid-19 which is useful in a wider context. A mental health resource for youth workers and volunteers: A resource by Headstrong and The National Centre for Youth Mental Health to provide a comprehensive overview of youth mental health. Mental health and mental ill-health 4.4 participate in an informed discussion about mental health issues experienced by young people and/or their friends and family 4.5 appreciate what it means to live with mental ill-health 4.6 critique mental health services available to young people locally 4.7 explain the significance of substance use for one’s mental health For the classroom: Youth Mental Health Animations: Six animations by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (each video = approx. 1 min.) exploring experiences of struggling with anxiety, feeling different, depression, loneliness, being bullied and body image. BodyWhys #MoreThanASelfie: Lessons plans and facilitators guide which explore the link between body image and mental health. Available from [email protected] Background reading for the teacher: Jigsaw online: An Irish website where young people can find information and support to help them deal with a range of challenges. Dealing with tough times 4.8 practice a range of strategies for building resilience 4.9 use coping skills for managing life’s challenges For the classroom: Emotional Wellbeing Unit 1: by the HSE (2023). Developed for the updated (2023) Junior Cycle SPHE specification with first year students in mind, but activities can be adapted for the 2016 short course.​ Activity 4: Pressing pause Activity 5: Helpful and unhelpful thoughts Activity 6: Challenging unhelpful thoughts Activity 7: Gratitude Activity 8: Mindfulness Be Well: Activities by Youthwork Ireland to address anxiety. Resilience: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Classroom resources here include suggestions and activities about impulse-control, self-regulation and goal-setting. It was developed for 12-16 year olds. Background information for the teacher: Jigsaw online: An Irish website where young people can find information and support to help them deal with a range of challenges. Coping with difficult situations: HSE information and guidance. Loss and bereavement 4.10 explain the wide range of life events where they might experience loss and bereavement 4.11 outline the personal, social, emotional and physical responses to loss and bereavement 4.12 compare how loss and bereavement are portrayed in a variety of contexts and cultures 4.13 describe how they might care for themselves and be supportive of others in times of loss or bereavement Background information for the teacher: Dealing with grief and loss: Information for young people from Jigsaw (2020). Experiencing grief and loss: An information sheet for young people about grief and loss, by the Australian youth mental health foundation. 'Parenting Positively - Helping teenagers to cope with death': eBook by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). 'Parenting Positively - Helping teenagers to cope with separation': eBook by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). ISPCC Parenting Hub: Provides help in dealing with loss or changes to home and family.
