Fostering self-care and wellbeing through the world of reading

Nicola Schofield
A teacher sat outdoors with young students looking at a book togethr
Reading time: 6 minutes

Growing up is an exciting time. Children are curious and open-minded, and every day welcomes a new thing to learn. They are constantly exploring and discovering themselves and the world around them. But children also have to face many challenging times too as they get older. It is, therefore, important that we teach our young people to be aware of their own wellbeing and self-care, what they can do to lead a balanced and healthy life, and give them the tools they need to help them in difficult times, both mentally and physically. Ìý

Boosting children's wellbeing with reading
Reproducir
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

What are theÌýkey factors to a child’s wellbeing?

Have a look at Ìýbelow. ItÌýdescribesÌýpeople’sÌýbasic needs for good mental and physical wellbeing.

Self-actualizationÌý– Children need to be aware of their own feelingsÌýand understand how to process them.

Esteem –ÌýChildren need to growÌýinÌýconfidence, feel valued and receive praise for their achievements. Having hobbies and interestsÌýtoo is key.

Love/belonging –ÌýChildren need to develop meaningful relationships or feel part of a community. This could be friendships, family, a class,ÌýaÌýclubÌýorÌýschool.

SafetyÌý– Children must feel safe in their surroundings.

PhysiologicalÌý–ÌýChildren must have a home and access to food, water, sleep and exercise.

However, do childrenÌýknow how to look after their wellbeing?Ìý

Ask them to make a list and share your ideas together as a class or as a family.ÌýWhat do they do to look after their mental and physical health?ÌýAre there any things thatÌýtheyÌýdo lots of or don’t do enough of? What can they start doing or try to do more of?

Alternatively, you could also ask themÌýtoÌýput the followingÌýitemsÌýin order of importance. Ask them,Ìý‘What makes you happy?’,Ìý‘What is important to you?’Ìý

  • Food
  • Water
  • House
  • School
  • Friends
  • Family
  • Exercise
  • Sleep
  • HobbiesÌý

HowÌýcanÌýDisney Kids Readers help children’s wellbeing?

Let’sÌýrefer backÌýto the hierarchy of needs and see how they can link into reading.

Self-actualizationÌý–ÌýDisney Kids ReadersÌýcan help increaseÌýempathy and self-awarenessÌýthrough reading about other characters’ emotions and putting ourselves in their shoes. It can help us to understand and process our own emotions too. For example, in Inside Out, we see Riley struggle with her emotions when her family moves to San Francisco. Through the characters of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust, we can see how normal it is to feel a range of emotions and not feel happy all the time.

Esteem –ÌýDisney Kids ReadersÌýalso help children to develop confidence and self-esteem as they progress through theÌýlevels. By completing the wide range of activities at the end of the books, children can see that they are learning and improving their English skills as well as havingÌýfun reading a book.Ìý

Readers can also help us navigate difficult moments in life and teach us resilience and strength in challenging times. When we read the stories, we see how the characters overcome obstacles and deal with their problems. This can teach children key lessons and help them tackle their own problems in the real world.

For example, many of the charactersÌýgo through difficult times to which children can relate. InÌýThe Jungle Book, Mowgli is scared but then his friend Baloo comes to help him.ÌýIn Frozen II, Elsa goes on a difficult journey to restore justice for the people of Arendelle andÌýThe Enchanted Forest.Ìý

Love/belonging –ÌýReading Disney Kids Readers as a class, in pairs, or as a family can really strengthen relationships and a sense of belonging, which is such an important part of children’s development.ÌýSharing a book is something specialÌýthatÌýcanÌýallow people toÌýdevelop common interests andÌýthereforeÌýmake children feel that they are part of a wider community.

SafetyÌý– ChildrenÌýcan feel safe and more secure when a parent or a caregiver reads to them before bed.ÌýDisney Kids ReadersÌýare perfect bedtime stories and help children to fall asleep listening to theirÌýfavoriteÌýDisney characters on exciting adventures.ÌýAlso, in times of stress,Ìýreading can help reduceÌýanxiety,Ìýallowing children toÌýenjoy the presentÌýmomentÌýand escape the real world for a little while.

PhysiologicalÌý– Reading exercises your brain. In addition to physical exercise, reading isÌýanÌýexcellent mental workout which is so important to children’s health. Ask the children toÌýmemorizeÌýsome pages from the reader and recite it without looking or ask them toÌýmemorizeÌýthe phonics rhyme on the phonics page. You could also ask them to memorize the key words from the glossary list and see how many they remember.

Explore our range of readers and get inspired

Activity ideas

Now try out some of the activities below which can be linked to the Readers which will help your children/young learners focus on their wellbeing.

1. Paint a scene

This activity is calm, relaxing and mindful for the children to complete. The world is a busy place, and this activity links in with the idea of self-actualization and esteem. Painting or drawing keeps our mind focused on one task, and reduces stress and anxiety. It can help us process difficult emotions and can cheer us up when we are feeling down.ÌýÌý

Encourage your young learners to paint or draw a peaceful scene that they can imagine themselves in. It could be a beach, a forest, or even outer space. This activity allows children to express their creativity and imagination while also promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

Need:ÌýSelf-actualization, Esteem

2. Reading emotion diary

Self-awarenessÌýis such a useful toolÌýfor our wellbeingÌý– through this activity, the children take a moment each dayÌýto read a few pages of a book and thenÌýlook insideÌýthemselvesÌýtoÌýthink about how they are feelingÌýbefore and afterÌýreading. This is powerful, as over time the children will understand that reading is a good way to calm the mindÌýand manage emotionsÌý–Ìýsomething that can help them improve their own wellbeing and feel safe.Ìý

Encourage your learner to write down their feelings in a diary after reading and reflect on how the reading has affected their emotions. This activity promotes self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for maintaining good mental health.

Need: Self-actualization,ÌýSafety

3. Reading emotions

Emotional intelligence is suchÌýanÌýimportant part of life. Understanding how someone is feeling through body language, such as facial expressions, gestures and body movements, can be useful when someone is sad, angry or upset. It can help us decide what they need and can help them feel listened to, loved and valued. In this activity, the children practice this by analyzingÌýthe characters’ emotions.ÌýIt will help children build confidence when dealing with difficult or sensitive topics with family and friends.Ìý

Choose a Reader with a diverse range of characters and ask your learner to identify and describe the emotions shown by each character. This activity promotes empathy, communication skills and social-emotional learning.

Need: Love/belonging, EsteemÌý

4. Guess the scene meditation

This activity is a great exercise for the brain. It helps children toÌývisualizeÌýand picture different surroundings in their minds and imagine different smells, sounds and textures, and bring them to life. As the children’s minds are focused on one thing, they begin to relax and feel calm. This activity can be a great tool to use before bedtime to help children fall asleep peacefully.

Guide your learners through a guided meditation where they imagine themselves in different peaceful scenes. You can also ask them to create their own scene and describe it in detail. This activity promotes relaxation, mindfulness and creativity.

Need: Self-actualization, Safety

5. Develop resilience

In every story there is a lesson to be learned, and through this activity childrenÌýlearn how to deal with difficult situations through the characters.ÌýIt teaches children thatÌýalthoughÌýthere are hard times in life, if we are patient, work togetherÌýandÌýshow resilience, then weÌýcanÌýwork through our problems.ÌýÌý

Choose a Reader with characters facing challenges and discuss with your learners how the characters handle the situation. Encourage them to think of ways they can apply this to their own lives when facing difficulties.

Need:ÌýBelonging, EsteemÌý

6. Create an exercise routine

This activity is creative and fun and will get the children moving and laughing at the same time. Physical exercise is so important to our wellbeing,Ìýso what is better than doing a workout with yourÌýfavoriteÌýDisney character?ÌýThe children can do these workouts in small groups, with family or as a class.ÌýThis activity promotes physical health and social bonding.

Choose a few Disney characters and create simple exercises for each one. You can also use props or make it into a game by having the children take turns being different characters.

Need: Physiological

Read our blog post 'ChoosingÌýthe right gradedÌýreadersÌýfor young learners' and 'How to motivate reluctant readers' for more reading tips and ideas.

Explore our range of readers and get inspired

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A man and child smiling at eachother and dressed up warm at a winter market where its snowing

    Celebrating Nikolaustag: Exploring the German language

    Por Charlotte Guest

    As December approaches, people around the world prepare for the festive season as the chilly winds of winter set in. Amidst the various traditions and celebrations, one particular festivity is Nikolaustag. This day is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and is predominantly celebrated in German-speaking regions.

    Nikolaustag, celebrated on 6 December, in ode to Saint Nicholas, a Bishop in Myra in the 4th century. He was known for his kindness and generosity.

    In Germany and neighboring countries this day is celebrated with various customs. Children clean and polish their shoes or place them outside their doors, hoping to receive gifts and treats from Saint Nicholas. Adults, on the other hand, enjoy festive markets filled with seasonal delights.

    This day is a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion and generosity towards others, especially those who are less fortunate. It is a time to come together with family and friends, exchange gifts and enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

    German on the global stage

    The German language, celebrated for its precision and rich literary heritage, holds a significant place in the global linguistic landscape beyond the festivities of Nikolaustag.

    German is an official language in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and certain communities worldwide due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges.

    In recent years there has been a noticeable surge in the popularity of learning German worldwide. In 2020 it was reported thatÌý were learning German.

    The importance of the language in various sectors, including technology, science and commerce, has contributed to its popularity. Germany provides abundant opportunities for German language exchanges through institutions such as theÌý and .

    German has significantly impacted intellectual debates and discussions worldwide, spanning various fields such as literature, philosophy, music and science. The works of great writers like and , influential artists like and , and the philosophies of and are some examples of the profound influence of German culture.

    German language and culture have played a significant role in shaping scientific research and development. Many renowned scientists, such as and , have made notable contributions in their respective fields. German has also been a prominent language in academia, with numerous universities worldwide offering German language courses and conducting research in various fields.

    The undeniable impact of German culture on the world continues to inspire and influence various aspects of modern life.

    Global Scale of Languages announcement

    Learning languages such as German not only provides personal and professional growth opportunities but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and respect.

    And if you needed another reason to pick up German, the Global Scale of Languages (GSL) has added German to its list of languages. This gives German-language educators and learners a highly detailed level of support to fast-track their progress on their journey to fluency in German.

    The GSL uses the same proven learning design principles for German as it does for its other languages (English, French, Italian and Spanish), giving you world-class support.

  • A woman writing in a book outisde

    How novel writing can help your English skills

    Por Charlotte Guest

    November marks , an excellent opportunity to improve your English skills. While there are several ways to enhance your proficiency in English, writing a novel is a lesser-known method that can significantly refine your understanding of the language. As well as enhancing your vocabulary and grammar, creating a story is an imaginative and fun way to unleash your creativity. So let's have a look at some things picking up the pastime can help you with.

    Expanding vocabulary

    It's a great way to improve your vocabulary naturally. As you create your story, you search for the perfect words to express your thoughts, which helps you explore synonyms, understand the nuances of language, and discover new phrases that can add depth and richness to your writing. Websites like and are excellent resources to enhance your word toolkit.

    Mastering grammar and syntax

    When you're writing, having a good grasp of grammar and syntax is vital. To clearly express your ideas, you need to navigate grammar rules with precision. Platforms like and Purdue OWLÌýprovide comprehensive guides and tools that can help you improve your grammatical skills. By regularly referring to useful resources as you write, you'll be able to identify and correct errors and also enhance your understanding of grammatical structures.

    Developing writing styles

    Writing novels are an excellent opportunity to develop a unique style of writing. You can discover your voice as a writer by trying out different narrative techniques and literary devices. Online writing communities like and Ìýprovide opportunities for collaboration and feedback, allowing you to receive helpful criticism and refine your writing style in a supportive environment.

    Reading comprehension

    If you want to create an awesome novel, you've got to read a lot. By diving into the world of literature, you get to experience all sorts of writing styles and pick up some great tips for telling a compelling story. Websites like , ÃÛÌÒapp Plus and offer a plethora of literary works, providing access to various genres and writing techniques. This kind of exposure enhances your reading comprehension and helps you discern the subtleties of language.

    Encourages critical chinking

    Creating a coherent and engaging narrative requires critical thinking skills. As you navigate the complexities of plot development and character arcs, you'll naturally get better and better at it. Websites like and offer resources to sharpen critical thinking skills, complementing the cognitive benefits gained through the novel-writing process.

    Helping wellbeing

    As well as having educational uses, writing is a powerful tool that can be used to process complex emotions and ideas in a therapeutic way. Whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or just trying to make sense of a difficult situation, writing stories can provide an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. So, if you're looking for a way to process your emotions and ideas while having fun, novel writing may be your perfect outlet. It's also something you can do without any technology, so a great way to technology detox.Ìý

    Writing a novel is not just about unleashing your creativity but also refining your grammar, enriching your vocabulary, developing a unique writing style, enhancing your reading comprehension and fostering critical thinking. Make sure to use all available resources and take inspiration wherever possible. Creative writing is a journey of constant improvement and self-discovery. You might surprise yourself.

    Need some inspiration? Check out 9 great novels to help improve your English or Books to improve your English: Sci-fi and fantasy edition.

  • Children walking in a neighbourhood wearing costumes

    10 creepy cryptids you should know about

    Por Charlotte Guest

    Cryptids are creatures that are often unseen and mysterious. They are shrouded in legends and stories that have been passed down for generations, making them a fascination for humans for centuries. If you're looking to add a little more creativity to your story writing, learning about these elusive beings can be a great way to do so. In today's post, we'll take a closer look at some examples of cryptids, to get your imagination racing.

    What are cryptids?

    Cryptids are mythical creatures or beings whose existence cannot be proven by science. Some may claim to have seen them but there's usually no solid proof of the encounter. They exist in folklore, mythology and urban legends. Cryptids can be found in cultures all around the world, from the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland to the in Latin America.

    Here are ten cryptids you'll want to learn about this Halloween:

    Barghest

    The Barghest is a ghostly black dog cryptid that appears in the folklore of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is often associated with misfortune, and sightings of this ominous creature continue to be reported.

    Owlman

    The Owlman is a humanoid creature with owl-like features such as red eyes, wings and feathers. Sightings of this mysterious creature have been reported around the village of Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, adding an eerie twist to local legend.

    The Kraken

    The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of gigantic size and octopus-like appearance, said to dwell in the deep sea and feasting on ships that are unfortunate enough to come across it.Ìý