aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Health
What age group	Year or Grade 10
What topic	Mental Health
Quantity	1
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Lesson Introduction: Understanding Mental Health

Welcome and Icebreaker Activity

🎭 Introduction to Mental Health: The Mask We Wear

Begin the lesson with an engaging icebreaker. Distribute paper masks or provide students with blank face templates, and ask them to decorate their masks to represent how they feel about their mental health. Encourage creativity—students can use colours, symbols, and words that resonate with their emotions.

Once everyone has completed their masks, invite students to share their creations with the class, if they feel comfortable. This activity will open up the conversation about mental health and establish a safe space for discussion.

🗣️ Opening Discussion

After the icebreaker, facilitate a short group discussion with the following questions:

• What does mental health mean to you?
• Why is it important to talk about mental health in our society?
• How can we support ourselves and each other in maintaining good mental health?

Encourage students to express their thoughts freely, emphasising that there are no right or wrong answers. This discussion will help to foster an environment of openness and understanding, necessary for the exploration of mental health topics throughout the lesson.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Clearly outline what students will learn during this lesson:

1. Define what mental health entails and its importance.
2. Identify common mental health issues faced by teenagers.
3. Discuss methods to promote and maintain good mental health.
4. Recognise supportive resources available in school and the community.

By connecting personal experiences with broader concepts, students will begin to understand the significance of mental health in their lives and the lives of others. This will set a positive tone for the remainder of the lesson.

Remember, the objective is to create an inclusive environment that encourages students to think critically and empathetically about mental health.