This term, Year 5 have been learning about GEM (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness) through the Resilience Project. They have explored the benefits of thinking with a ‘cup half full’ approach and using emotional literacy to describe what they are feeling.  

Each lesson of the Resilience Project focuses on strategies aimed at improving overall wellbeing. Below are some thoughts from the girls in Year 5 about what they have been learning so far: 

L-R: Taylor Lee, Aleka Hronopoulos, Grace Hoffmann, Anna Roosenburg, and Joy Lovegrove completing a lesson in their Resilience Project books.

Grace Hoffmann, 5FW: “Empathy is being kind to other people and making sure people are okay. It means to put yourself in other peoples’ shoes. We show empathy at School when someone is having a bad day and checking if they are okay.”  

Joy Lovegrove, 5FW: “Empathy means to understand other peoples’ perspectives and feelings, to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and to share your understandings and experiences.” 

Taylor Lee, 5FW: “Mindfulness is going into a calm place and relaxing. Mindfulness can be practised by listening to calm music and focusing on your breathing. I like to do colouring to help me practise mindfulness.” 

Anna Roosenburg, 5KW: “I think gratitude means to be grateful for what you have. You can do this by being thankful for things like your family, house, and food. I am grateful for my cats and my family.” 

Aleka Hronopoulos, Year 5FW: “What I like about the Resilience Project is the fun activities and videos from Hugh about mindfulness and gratitude.”