This lesson highlights the importance of fostering mental health awareness and well-being in the classroom. Students today face various challenges that impact their learning, and by integrating mental health education, we equip them with knowledge, strategies, and support systems.

During the lesson, students explored the differences between mental health and mental illness, broke down stigma, and discussed ways to seek help. A particularly meaningful moment came when a student shared that the lesson helped them better understand their ADHD and their personal struggles with mental health. This reinforced the value of creating a classroom environment where students feel a sense of belonging, seen, supported, and empowered.

By including this artifact, I demonstrate my commitment to promoting social-emotional learning, reducing stigma, and ensuring that mental health education is accessible and relevant to all students. This aligns with Ontario’s Health and Physical Education Grade 8 curriculum.

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that empowers students to make informed decisions about money. This lesson emphasizes the necessity of financial literacy in preparing students for real-world decision-making and responsible spending habits. Teaching currency, payment methods, and the advantages/disadvantages of various payment methods equip students with essential skills to navigate financial transactions responsibly. By including this artifact, I showcase my approach to practical, life-applicable learning that aligns with Ontario’s grade 8 math curriculum expectations and prepares students for financial independence.

Data literacy is increasingly important in today’s information-driven society, where students encounter statistics in everyday life. This lesson helped grade 8 students understand core statistical concepts—mean, median, mode, and range, allowing them to interpret and analyze data effectively. Including this artifact highlights my focus on developing student’s analytical thinking skills, which are essential for both academic success and informed decision-making in daily life.