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 and reflect on these six key elements. Start by having students complete the PERMA+ Snapshot to reflect on how they currently feel in each area. Encourage them to celebrate strengths by building on elements where they rate themselves highly or to focus on improving areas that feel lower by choosing wellbeing skills like gratitude, mindfulness, and movement that support growth. Set aside time each week for the next four weeks to complete the snapshot together, allowing students to regularly reflect, celebrate progress, and identify areas for improvement. For students who need additional support, use the provided visuals to help them identify the various elements (e.g., which photo represents relationships vs. engagement) and then examples of what each element looks like in action (e.g., positive vs. negative emotions, good relationships vs. bad relationships, etc.).
Here’s what you’ll get:
- One full-page wellbeing tracker worksheet with question prompts to rate each of the six PERMA+ elements
- A worksheet to track wellbeing progress for one month
- Two sets of full-color pictures to use as visual modifications
- 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
