The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) School Based Community Access Platform (SBCAP) program created a mental health activity guide for teachers to use in classrooms. This guide was created to provide teachers with several activities that will equip students with coping skills, in an effort to support their resiliency. The hope is that educators will use this guide near the beginning of the school year, and incorporate some of the activities and exercises into their classroom on a regular basis. Given the challenges of the past year and a half, it is important to prioritize students' mental health now more than ever.

This guide will provide:

  • Teachers with simple exercises and activities that can be utilized in a classroom setting.
  • Students with simple and age-appropriate coping skills that highlight the importance of mental health, and encourage resiliency.
  • Students and teachers with general information about accessing mental health support.

Main Themes of the Guide

  • Welcome and Overview:
    • Encourages teachers to utilize the guide in their classroom, and provides background information about the guide and instructions for its use.
  • Guide Content:
    • Section I - Discusses "resetting" with coping skills, and how those can help improve mood.
    • Section II - Encourages thinking/reflecting on feelings, strengths, and the utilization of positive affirmations.
    • Section III - Includes a mindfulness exercise and provides information about mental health support/resources.

Includes: