How to Use the Five Ways to Wellbeing in Early Years Education

Wellbeing is essential for everyone, especially for early years educators and practitioners. These professionals play an essential role in shaping the development and happiness of young children. The Five Ways to Wellbeing offer a simple framework to enhance personal and professional wellbeing. Developed by the New Economics Foundation, these five actions help create a balanced and fulfilling life.

In this guide, we will explore how early years educators can use the Five Ways to Wellbeing. By integrating these practices, they can maintain their own health and promote a nurturing environment for children.

What Are the Five Ways to Wellbeing?

The Five Ways to Wellbeing consist of five key actions:

1. Connect – Building relationships with colleagues, parents, and children.
2. Be Active – Incorporating physical activities into daily routines.
3. Take Notice – Being mindful and present in interactions and environments.
4. Keep Learning – Pursuing continuous personal and professional development.
5. Give – Engaging in acts of kindness within the school community.

These actions aim to boost both mental and physical health, fostering a supportive and resilient educational setting.

Why Use the Five Ways to Wellbeing?

For early years educators, these actions are practical and easy to incorporate. They offer simple steps for improving wellbeing without requiring major changes. By adopting this framework, educators can reduce stress, improve job satisfaction, and enhance their teaching environment. Moreover, they set a positive example for children, fostering a healthy and supportive atmosphere.

Connecting in Early Years Education

The Need for Connection

Human connection enhances emotional wellbeing. For educators, strong relationships with colleagues, children, and parents create a vibrant learning environment.

How to Connect

Building meaningful connections requires intention:

• Collaborative Planning: Work with colleagues to plan lessons or activities. Sharing ideas fosters teamwork.
• Parent Engagement: Organise regular meetings or informal chats to keep parents informed and involved in their child’s education.
• Child Interactions: Spend time engaging directly with children, showing interest in their thoughts and feelings.

Advantages of Connecting

Connection enhances communication and collaboration within the education setting. It builds trust and supports a positive learning environment. For children, feeling connected with their educators provides emotional security and encourages learning.

Being Active in Early Years Education

The Need for Physical Activity

Physical activity is essential for both physical and emotional wellbeing. It promotes concentration and reduces stress for both educators and children.

How to Be Active

Incorporate movement throughout the day:

• Active Play: Include physical activities in daily schedules, such as dance, yoga, or outdoor play.
• Movement Breaks: Use short breaks to get everyone moving with simple exercises or games.
• Role Modelling: Participate in activities to encourage children to join in and enjoy being active.

Advantages of Being Active

Physical activity boosts energy and mood. It improves focus and reduces anxiety. For children, regular movement supports physical development and a positive attitude towards exercise.

Taking Notice in Early Years Education

The Need for Mindfulness

Being mindful enhances focus and emotional regulation. It helps educators manage stress and fosters a calm environment.

How to Take Notice

Encourage mindfulness through daily practices:

• Mindful Moments: Take a few minutes each day for deep breathing or reflection to centre yourself.
• Mindful Activities with Children: Engage in activities that encourage children to focus on their senses, like observing outdoor nature.
• Gratitude Practices: Start or end the day with gratitude exercises, encouraging children to express what they are thankful for.

Advantages of Taking Notice

Mindfulness reduces stress and enhances patience. It improves interactions and emotional awareness. For children, mindfulness supports self-regulation and a curiosity for the world around them.

Keeping Learning in Early Years Education

The Need for Continuous Learning

Continuous learning promotes professional development and personal growth. It keeps educators informed and motivated.

How to Keep Learning

Opportunities for learning are plentiful:

• Professional Development Workshops: Attend seminars and courses relevant to early years education.
• Peer Learning: Organise regular discussions or book clubs with colleagues to share knowledge and insights.
• Child Observations: Pay attention to children’s learning patterns to gain insights into effective teaching strategies.

Advantages of Keeping Learning

Continuous learning enhances teaching skills and creativity. It prevents burnout and inspires enthusiasm. For children, learning educators serve as role models, fostering a love for learning.

Giving in Early Years Education

The Need for Altruism

Giving back creates a supportive environment. It enhances satisfaction and builds a sense of community.

How to Give

Giving can be integrated into daily routines:

• Sharing Resources: Share teaching materials or strategies with colleagues to build a resource-rich environment.
• Volunteering: Encourage involvement in school or community events to strengthen community ties.
• Kindness: Promote acts of kindness, like helping a colleague or praising children’s efforts.

Advantages of Giving

Giving fosters a positive atmosphere and promotes cohesion within the team. It supports a culture of support and empathy. For children, witnessing acts of kindness teaches important social values and cooperation skills.

Implementing the Five Ways to Wellbeing

Creating a Plan

To incorporate the Five Ways into your routine, develop a structured plan:

• Assessment: Identify current practices and areas for development.
• Set Objectives: Define clear and achievable goals for integrating wellbeing activities.
• Involvement: Engage colleagues and parents to ensure their needs and perspectives are considered.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Regularly assess the effectiveness of these initiatives:

• Feedback: Gather input from colleagues and parents on the wellbeing activities.
• Adjustment: Continuously refine and adapt the plan to meet changing needs and overcome any challenges.

Issues and Potential Solutions

Common Challenges

Implementing wellbeing practices can present difficulties:

• Change Resistance: Colleagues or parents may resist new practices.
• Time Management: Finding time for wellbeing activities can be challenging in busy schedules.
• Resource Availability: Limited resources may impact program implementation.

Overcoming Challenges

• Effective Communication: Clearly communicate the benefits of wellbeing to encourage participation.
• Flexible Scheduling: Integrate activities into existing routines to ensure they are time-efficient.
• Resourcefulness: Use creative methods to maximise available resources, such as online training or community partnerships.

Final Thoughts

The Five Ways to Wellbeing offer a meaningful framework for early years educators to enhance their wellbeing and that of their learners. By fostering connection, activity, mindfulness, learning, and generosity, educators nurture a supportive and enriching environment. This approach benefits educators and sets a positive foundation for the children in their care. By focusing on wellbeing, early years educators can create happier, healthier, and more effective learning environments that encourage lifelong learning and empathy.