Abstract

The Be the Jellyfish programme is designed to support schools in nurturing the social and emotional wellbeing of children in their care. The lessons are structured around sensory relaxation and include relaxing exercises in breathing, visualisation, and massage.

Based on their experiences teaching in primary schools, the creators were inspired to develop a programme that focusses on a child's specific social and emotional needs in order to fulfill their learning potential. Structured as one hour lesson plans, the activities included encourage children to relax, communicate and explore themselves creatively using art materials, peer massage, visualisation, bodywork, breathing, sensory equipment and mindfulness. This manual contains planning ideas for lessons, visualisation scenarios, illustrated bodywork exercises, photocopiable templates and posters to use in the classroom or one on one with a child.

Lucy Cree is an experienced primary school teacher and MISP trained instructor. Sarah Brogden is a primary school teacher with training in MISP as well as IATE CCMH Certificate in Counselling Skills with Children (Using the Arts). Lucy and Sarah co-founded the Be the Jellyfish programme in 2014 and have been teaching and implementing it since.
This clear, practical and inspirational book is a gift to those who work with young children. It skilfully integrates some novel approaches to social and emotional learning, such as relaxation, movement, creativity and visualisation to cultivate and nurture wellbeing in spirits, hearts - and bodies - as well as minds.
Katherine Weare, Professor, University of Southampton. Author of Happy Teachers Change the World.
Be The Jellyfish Training Manual is a delight; a comprehensive and fun-filled guide for any adult wishing to support the emotional and social well-being of children. Packed with ideas and easy-to-access plans and resources, it will preempt many of the questions adults may have when approaching this vital aspect of learning whilst also recognising the importance of nurturing creativity in the classroom.
Sandra Hooper, Co-founder of Story Massage, www.storymassage.co.uk
What a wonderful resource - creative, enlightened and highly accessible. Cree and Brogden have captured vital elements inherent in the development and growth of social and emotional wellbeing and produced a comprehensive, fun approach which is respectful of each child's imagination and where no child's contributions are 'right' or 'wrong'. Highly recommended!
Deborah M. Plummer, author of Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem and Inspiring and Creative Ideas for Working with Children.