ONLINE YOUTH LITERARY MAGAZINE
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The Elysian Muse
Youth Mental Health Curriculum
One-week mental health awareness curriculum for elementary students
At The Elysian Muse, we believe that mental wellness is not just a topic for teens or adults, it’s something that should be nurtured from the earliest years of a child's life. That’s why we’ve developed a supplementary one-week mental health curriculum designed specifically for elementary students. Our goal is to encourage early exposure to mental health concepts and normalize emotional conversations at a young age.
This initiative is especially important for vulnerable and underserved populations, where children may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes. In partnership with Healthy Kids of New Brunswick, we piloted this program at Lincoln Elementary School in New Brunswick, NJ, a community comprised predominantly of minority students.
The pilot program incorporated culturally relevant art and mindfulness activities to foster emotional growth, resilience, and self-love in a safe, inclusive environment. Our creative and interactive curriculum makes space for kids to express themselves, reflect on their strengths, and learn coping tools they can carry with them for years to come.
All materials and instructions are now available on our website for educators who wish to implement this program in their own classrooms or communities. We hope this curriculum becomes a stepping stone toward a future where every child has access to mental health literacy from the start.
One-Week Elementary Mental Health Curriculum
Developed by The Elysian Muse in Partnership with Healthy Kids of New Brunswick
Program Goals:
- Encourage early exposure to mental health discussions
- Instill confidence, self-awareness, and healthy coping skills
- Provide culturally relevant activities that resonate with diverse learners
Day 1: Draw Yourself as a Superhero
Description: Kids draw themselves as superheroes and highlight their real-life superpowers
Significance: Builds confidence and encourages self-recognition of strengths
Outdoor Version: Use chalk on pavement
Indoor Version: Use paper and markers
Materials: Drawing supplies or sidewalk chalk
Day 2: Simon Says with Mindfulness and Yoga
Description: Simon Says game featuring slow yoga poses and breathing techniques
Significance: Introduces the idea of mindfulness and taking calm moments throughout the day
Materials: None needed
Day 3: Make a Valentine’s Day Card for Yourself
Description: Kids create cards that celebrate themselves and write why they are their own best friend
Significance: Fosters self-love and positive self-talk
Materials: Construction paper, stickers, optional small candy
Day 4: Feel Good / Reminder Stones
Description: Kids paint or decorate stones with affirmations or calming words
Significance: Creates a tangible reminder of personal strength and self-empowerment
Materials: Stones, paint, markers, brushes
Day 5: Butterfly Worry Catching
Description: Students cut butterflies of various sizes and write worries based on severity
Significance: Externalizes stressors and invites conversation
Materials: Paper, scissors, butterfly stencils, optional toy butterfly net
Optional Activities:
Mindfulness Memory Game
Description: Memory card game using healthy coping strategies and emotional tools
Significance: Reinforces concepts learned during the week through fun repetition
Materials: Printable game cards
Worry Dolls Craft
Description: Inspired by the Guatemalan tradition, kids make their own worry dolls and learn about the practice of releasing worries before bed
Significance: Teaches kids to externalize stress and prioritize restful sleep
Materials: Pipe cleaners, yarn, beads, fabric scraps
This curriculum is freely available for noncommercial educational use. To download the full printable version, including templates and game cards, visit this link.
Together, we can help the next generation grow up emotionally resilient, self-aware, and empowered to care for their mental health.