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Whole Child Month

Whole Child Month image

In the month of January, we are celebrating the Whole Child. The Whole Child approach is an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children in grades K-12. 

What is the Whole Child approach?

The Whole Child approach in education prepares students for career and college and as positive, contributing community members. A Whole Child approach aims to ensure each child, in each school, in each community, is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. School staff support the health and wellbeing of each child by:

  • Promoting an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults. 
  • Using best practices to actively engage students in learning.
  • Providing support for students’ academic, social and emotional learning.
  • Challenging students academically to prepare for their success beyond high school. 

How can parents/guardians embrace this approach? 

You can help your child’s development beyond academics. For example, you can help them develop a variety of skills essential in life, including the ability to solve problems and how to use coping strategies when they face challenges. The following activities can help  families to increase their child's social, emotional and character development. The weekly challenge is to complete an activity for that week. All activities can be adapted to meet the age of your child.

Weekly Whole Child Challenge Activities

Week 1: Share ways you will take care of your mental and physical wellness. 

Week  2: Make time to build a positive relationship- ask your child or youth about what is something new they would like to learn how to do. Explore opportunities to learn new activities through community recreation activities, YMCA, local colleges. 

Week 3: Encourage your child or youth to do something kind to one adult and one peer during the day. 

Week 4: Ask Child or Youth: What is your favorite subject experienced in school, and activity or event in the the community and at home.

Mental Wellness is critical for parents and children. 

Mental wellness is often overlooked, but is deemed critically essential in order for both children and adults to thrive in the school setting. SBLSD has seen a need to increase access to community-based mental health services for students in all grade levels and substance use services for students in middle and high school. These resources also offer additional support for the entire family. An intentional focus on social emotional learning can help to build and support a student’s positive mental wellness and enhance coping skills.

For a whole month of daily activities, download this January Whole Child Challenge Calendar.