When you first start Open Parachute, we recommend completing a few key steps. For a comprehensive guide on Onboarding Students, see our Help Article: Introducing Open Parachute to Students.
The Student Introduction lessons should be implemented sequentially as a first step into the Open Parachute curriculum. Each grade level has a set of student introduction lessons that are developmentally appropriate in terms of verbiage, content, and time frame for that age.
What is Student Introduction?
The Student Introduction Lessons are designed to introduce the Open Parachute program and the purpose behind learning mental health skills to the class. They set the stage and lay a strong foundation before diving into any main curriculum lessons. These introduction lessons make it simple and easy for educators to introduce Open Parachute to their students meaningfully and intentionally.
Where Can I Find The Student Introduction?
The Student Introduction lessons can be found in the Well-being Foundations section of the Side Menu:
What Is Included In The Student Introduction?
For Pre-K to Grade 6, the Student Introduction is made up of the following lessons:
Introduction to Open Parachute
Setting Class Boundaries
What Is Open Parachute?
The Being Well Model
For Grades 7 to 12, the Student Introduction is made up of the following lessons:
Introduction: Play to Win for Wellness
Setting Class Boundaries
Introduction to Mental Health & Well-being
The Being Well Model
How Should I Run the Student Introduction Lessons?
The Introduction to Open Parachute (Pre-K - 6) & Introduction: Play to Win for Wellness (7 - 12) lesson should be implemented first. Through game-based activities (including our own take on Jeopardy), these lessons introduce the Open Parachute program and allow students to reflect on why learning mental health skills and strategies is important.
The Setting Class Boundaries lesson should be implemented second. This lesson will guide students in setting healthy boundaries for respecting each other when discussing sensitive topics while also cultivating a safe learning environment.
The What Is Mental Health? (Pre-K - 6) & Introduction to Mental Health & Well-being (7 - 12) lesson should be implemented third. This lesson allows students to explore the definition of mental health and break down the cultural stigma associated with this topic.
The Being Well Model (Pre-K - Grade 12) lesson explores the four steps in the Being Well Model to encourage students to respond (not react) to emotional triggers in age-appropriate ways.
If you have any questions about running Student Introduction lessons, please reach out to us via our Live Chat.