Kind Mind Week 1 Challenge

By Ms. Kirsten Bowles, Junior School Counsellor 

The Kind Mind Program is an initiative of the Kelty Foundation at Children’s Hospital, designed to bring conversations about mental health into the home. It complements the work we are doing in the classrooms through our own SEL curriculum (CARE) and aligns with the counseling department’s ongoing work to strengthen the parent–child relationship.

This week’s topic is called “Our Bodies Give us Clues.” Children and their parents are challenged to identify and discuss the different ways their bodies cue them to their emotions. This might be through physical sensations, changes in breathing, energy levels, posture, and facial expressions.

Why is it helpful to develop our body’s awareness of emotions and how does this enhance mental health?

  • Early detection: Recognizing bodily cues helps us notice emotions as they arise, before they become overwhelming or lead to reactive behavior.
  • Emotional regulation: When we notice tension or racing heartbeats, we can use calming strategies (deep breathing, grounding, movement) to regulate ourselves.
  • Understanding triggers: Body awareness helps us connect sensations to situations — for example, realizing that your tight chest happens whenever you feel criticized.
  • Improved communication: When we can name what we’re feeling based on body cues, we can express emotions more clearly to others.
  • Greater self-compassion: Being tuned into our physical-emotional states encourages us to care for our bodies and minds in a more integrated way.
Thank you for your interest in this program. If you have any questions about Kind Mind or the CARE program, please connect with me at any time, and keep an eye on your email for a description of the challenge for Week 2!
Back
Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

List of 3 items.

West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750