This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme is ‘Nature‘.
This afternoon in Year 6 we began with a discussion and thought back to the first lockdown in March 2020. Lots of us remembered that we took enjoyment in planting seeds and pips (including lemon and orange pips, avocado stones and tomatoes plants!), visiting our local park and taking (lots of!) walks.
We then discussed whether this was coincidence or whether our enjoyment of nature was backed by research. Interestingly, the Mental Health Foundation, discovered that nearly half (45%) of people in the UK found that visiting green spaces, such as parks, helped them to cope with the pandemic. Furthermore, research suggests that having a connection with nature and witnessing life grow benefits our wellbeing.
After an interesting discussion, we spent some time ‘connecting with nature’ by taking part in a still life painting workshop. We were given a beautiful bouquet of flowers and after spending time just looking at it, we used graphite pencils to sketch and water colours to paint.
Research suggests that:
“Noticing the beauty of nature and expressing this creatively can help you find meaning and an emotional connection to nature that will stay with you for a lifetime!” The Mental Health Foundation
We certainly had a lovely afternoon and we look forward to continuing to connect with nature throughout the week.
