Five Ways to Wellbeing

Five simple ways pupils can build wellbeing, one small step at a time.

Turn the well-known Five Ways to Wellbeing into a fun school resource full of nature, movement, kindness and curiosity. Give pupils enough ideas to get started, then invite them into the full poster pack.

Download the resources Preview the five ways

Primary and secondary

PSHE and tutor time

Posters and activities

Wellbeing nature trail

Connect

Be Active

Take Notice

Keep Learning

Give

A resource pupils can actually picture.

Nature cues make the five ways feel active, memorable and easy to revisit.

Why it works

Small actions are easier to repeat.

First produced by the New Economics Foundation, the Five Ways to Wellbeing give pupils a memorable language for emotional health: connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.

This page keeps the ideas light enough to spark classroom conversations. The downloadable resources can carry the fuller activity bank, displays and prompts when you are ready to share them.

The trail map

Five paths pupils can try this week.

Each path has a few quick ideas on the page, with the full bank saved for the downloadable resource pack.

Connect

Make space for real conversations, shared moments and belonging across the school day.

Ask someone about the best part of their weekend.

Swap a message for a face-to-face conversation.

Share something you appreciate about a classmate.

Be Active

Use movement, fresh air and playful routines to help pupils regulate and reset.

Take a mindful walk around the playground.

Use a favourite song for a two-minute movement break.

Try a new club, game or lunchtime activity.

Take Notice

Build curiosity by noticing nature, feelings, strengths and small positives.

Spot three signs of the season on the way to class.

Write down one thing that went better than expected.

Pause and name what you can see, hear and feel.

Keep Learning

Encourage curiosity, mastery and confidence beyond the next test or deadline.

Learn a word from another language.

Ask someone to teach you a skill they enjoy.

Find one surprising fact about a topic you love.

Give

Help pupils see kindness, contribution and gratitude as everyday wellbeing habits.

Thank someone who made your day easier.

Offer help before being asked.

Create something small and give it to someone.

School-ready ideas

Use it as a display, a discussion starter or a wellbeing challenge.

The best resources give staff confidence without scripting every moment. These prompts help pupils choose actions that feel realistic in school, at home and outdoors.

Which of the five ways already happens naturally in your school?

Prompt 1

Which pupils might need an easier first step into connection or activity?

Prompt 2

Where could outdoor space, tutor time or pupil voice make the ideas feel more alive?

Prompt 3

Free downloads

Give staff the full pack when they are ready.

Choose the version that fits your setting, then use the posters and activity sheet to keep the five ways visible through assemblies, tutor time and classroom routines.