About This Lesson
Science shows there are six elements of wellbeing, known as PERMA+: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Mattering, Accomplishment, and +Health, and the beginning of the year is the perfect time to integrate regular wellbeing check-ins into classroom routines. By reflecting on each PERMA+ element, students can set meaningful goals and build happiness resources necessary for strengthening their resilience and confidence in achieving lasting positive change.Support your students in exploring and improving their wellbeing by guiding them through the PERMA+ Snapshot, a tool designed to track wellbeing. This resource consists of teacher instructions and student activities for identifying and reflecting on these six key elements. Teachers will:
- Explain the six elements of wellbeing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Mattering, Accomplishment, and +Health and provide a short definition for each element.
- Use the provided slides to explore each element in detail over multiple lessons and share examples of how each element appears in daily life.
- Guide students to reflect on element:
- What it sounds like
- What it looks like
- What it feels like
- Why it’s important
- Record student ideas on an anchor chart or directly on the slides.
Interactive Identification:
Use the photo slides to help students identify examples of each element. Students can interact by:
- Moving answers into a designated box
- Circling correct answers
- Using paddles or whiteboards
Follow the same process for each of the six elements. Sample answers and guidance are included in the speaker notes.
Here’s what you’ll get:
- An interactive, ready-to-use presentation with editable slides
- Detailed guidance on introducing and explaining each element of PERMA+
- Interactive Activities include reflection questions, photo-based identification exercises, and anchor chart/flip chart ideas for tracking class discussions and reflections.
- Speaker notes with sample answers and tips
- Access to the PERMA+ Snapshot lesson plans, a unit study and answer key
Why you’ll love this activity:
- The activity is easy to print and customize in your classroom or at home
- You can use this resource as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study.
- The associated free unit study for PERMA+ Snapshot comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
- Encourages emotional literacy and growth in social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Helps students and educators track their wellbeing over time
Ways to Use
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Families can use this at home, too!
What is a PERMA+ Snapshot?
The founder of Positive Psychology, Martin Seligman, explains there are several elements critical to human flourishing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments (PERMA+). We believe in the mind-body connection and have added +Health to reflect that physical health is a vital element of wellbeing. By learning the science and skills related to each element, you can take control of your wellbeing and drive your life toward a flourishing future!
Science of PERMA+ People who track their PERMA+ Snapshot are more likely to practice the skills of wellbeing that lead to:
- More resilience in times of challenge & stress
- Higher levels of satisfaction with work & their career
- Deeper and more meaningful relationships
- Increased social support
- Greater meaning in their community & day-to-day lives
- Increased performance and higher achievement
- Better sleep quality
- Less depression and anxiety
Looking for more PERMA+ resources?
Explore the free PERMA+ Snapshot, which comes with teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive's resources are and will always be free. Be well!
Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center
