Student Wellbeing Resources


The Catastrophe scale is a great tool to use when trying to encourage children to put things into perspective. It's also great for adults too!

The Catastrophe Scale

The 'Emotional Thermometer' is a very useful tool that assists students to identify intensity of feelings. Children can really relate to the visual representation of their emotions, and this 'thermometer' can also prompt discussions about how to regulate our emotional temperature.

The Emotional Thermometer

Mindfulness is about training yourself to pay attention in a specific way.

When a person is mindful, they:
  • focus on the present moment
  • try not to think about anything that went on in the past or that might be coming up in future
  • purposefully concentrate on what’s happening around them
  • try not to be judgemental about anything they notice, or label things as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’

We spend so much time thinking over things that have happened in the past, or worrying about things that may happen in the future, that often we actually forget to appreciate or enjoy the moment. Mindfulness is a way of bringing us back to experience life as it happens.

When you’re mindful, it: 
  • helps clear your head
  • helps you be more aware of yourself, your body and the environment
  • helps to slow down your thoughts
  • slows down your nervous system
  • helps you to concentrate
  • helps you relax
  • can help you cope with stress.

This is a great resource used by the staff and students at St. Joseph's. It can be used by adults and children alike, and is also available as a free app for your tablet/ phone etc.

Smiling Mind