Guardian Resources for Personal Wellness
Whether you’re a caregiver seeking strategies to empower your child’s emotional resilience or an educator navigating the complexities of learner well-being in the classroom, these resources offer insightful guidance, practical tools, and evidence-based practices to foster a generation of emotionally intelligent and resilient individuals.
Grades 3-5
Learners are
- understanding individuals see and experience things differently
- developing a sense of right and wrong
- worrying about the unknown
Learners need
- reassurance
- to belong and be valued
- to feel safe, encouraged and supported while making mistakes
Learners experience
- growing empathy
- abstract thinking
- independence
Guardian Documents 3-5
Grades 6-8
Learners are
- finding their way.
- able to use abstract thinking.
- submersed in technologies
Learners need
- To share ideas, interact and cooperate.
- To connect interests with communities.
- To navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Learners grow
- By connecting learning to real life.
- Through challenges.
- By exploring their future identities (e.g. career, family, where to live, volunteerism)
Grade 9
Learners are
- examining messages around them.
- developing personal beliefs.
- concerned about the future.
Learners need
- to practise civil discourse and debate complex issues.
- to see skills connected to community and potential for careers.
- positive and supportive mentors.
Learners become
- more focused on peers and relationships.
- clearer on personal values.
- interested in career-connected learning.
Guardian Documents 6-9
Video Series K-9
Modernized Curriculum FAQ
A modernized anglophone curriculum was implemented in the 2023-2024 year by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
A section of the modernized curriculum focuses on well-being of the learner. The curriculum offers all learners opportunities to develop and balance the four aspects of wellness:
- physical
- mental
- emotional
- spiritual
Positive identity development, mental health, and sense of belonging are nurtured and protected as learners develop the competencies to adapt and grow. Connecting to the land and physical activity are valued as an essential part of the curriculum.
Q. Where can I find additional information on the Personal Wellness curriculum?
A. To access the Personal Wellness curriculum, go to Learning Areas – NB Curriculum Framework The drop down box under “Learning Areas” guides you to the Personal Wellness sections for elementary, middle school and high school blocks.
Q. How was the Grades 6-8 curriculum developed?
A. The middle school Personal Wellness curriculum development began in 2018 featuring consultations with rights and stakeholders, including, learners, educators, administrators and parents, Public Health and Sexual Health nurses, First Nation communities and school staff.
Resource development was initiated in 2021 with and to support educators in the delivery of curriculum. This meets a key demand from educators to incorporate learnings from priority areas outlined in new frameworks.
Q. What types of changes were made to the Grades 6-8 curriculum?
A. The Grades 6 – 8 Personal Wellness curriculum was updated to address use of technology/social media in young adults, gender identity, mental health, and other concepts.
Relevant new content includes topics such as consent, sexual violence, and body positivity due to their impact on learner health. There is an emphasis on healthy relationships throughout the curriculum in Grades 6-8 because they are foundational to sexual health education and to the well-being of youth and adults alike.
Personal safety topics include concussion, legalization of cannabis and dangers of sexual violence.
Q. What is included in the Grade 9 Personal Wellness curriculum?
A. In Personal Wellness 9 learning focuses on the transition to high school and decision-making for individual and community sense of belonging and well-being. Learners will apply their understanding of how to contribute to positive and healthy environments now and as adults. The curriculum content and concepts all relate to the five Personal Wellness strands:
- Wellness
- Mental Fitness
- Relationships
- Human Growth and Development
- Career Connected Learning
Q. What about books that have been shared with schools as part of the well-being
curriculum
A. Resource books will be housed in Administration / Guidance offices and / or classrooms to support the curriculum related to human growth and development. These resources are available to parents / guardians, educators, guidance counsellors and administrators.
Q. Is it a requirement for my child to take Personal Wellness?
A. The Personal Wellness curriculum content is intended to support the development of healthy, safe, empowered learners. Because Personal Wellness is part of the core curriculum, it is required learning. If an educator is not able to assess learning in one or more areas of the curriculum, this may impact a learner’s progress.
Professional learning opportunities and resources have been created for educators to support the well-being and safety of all New Brunswick learners. Guardian documents are available to assist discussions with youth at home and to encourage discussions between guardians and educators around these important topics.