School Health Online

Active Living (Physical Activity)

Active for Life

• Lesson plans for 3-5 year olds & 5-8 year olds
• Lesson plan builder 
• Lesson plan modules for 3-5 year olds & 5-8 year olds

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:
  • 2.2 - Demonstrate a willingness to try new experiences
  • 6.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of healthy, active living on the mind and body
  • 6.5 - Discuss and demonstrate in play what makes them happy and unhappy, and why
  • 7 - Participate actively and regularly in a variety of activities that require the application of movement concepts
  • 8 - Develop movement skills and concepts as they use their growing bodies to move in a variety of ways and in a variety of contexts
• Grades 1, 2 & 3:
  • B1 - Participate actively and regularly in a wide variety of physical activities, and demonstrate an understanding of how physical activity can be incorporated into their daily lives;
  • B2 - Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of being physically active, and apply physical fitness concepts and practices that contribute to healthy, active living.
  • B3 - Demonstrate responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others as they participate in physical activities.
  • C1 - Perform movement skills, demonstrating an understanding of the basic requirements of the skills and applying movement concepts as appropriate, as they engage in a variety of physical activities;
  • C2 - Apply movement strategies appropriately, demonstrating an understanding of the components of a variety of physical activities, in order to enhance their ability to participate successfully in those activities. 

Dental Health

Dental Health Education Module

This module has been developed by Ottawa Public Health to increase dental health education within school communities. Inside this resource, you will find lesson plans as well as extension activities that aim to increase knowledge of proper dental health. 

Dental health is an indicator of many other health related behaviours such as personal care and nutritional habits. By increasing knowledge of healthy dental habits, we hope to influence positive changes in the overall health of children in our communities. 

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:
  • 6.2 – Investigate the benefits of nutritious foods (e.g., nutritious snacks, healthy meals, foods from various cultures) and explore ways of ensuring healthy eating (e.g., choosing nutritious food for meals and snacks, avoiding foods to which they are allergic)
  • 6.3 - Practice and discuss appropriate personal hygiene that promotes personal, family, and community health
• Grade 1:
  • D1.1 - Food for healthy bodies and minds
  • D2.5 - Hygienic procedures
• Grade 2:
  • D1.5 - Body appreciation
  • D2.2 - Food choices (snacks, meals)
  • D2.4 - Oral health
• Grade 3:
  • D2.1 - Oral health, food choices 

Healthy Eating

OPH Healthy Eating Book List for Children

Registered Dietitians at Ottawa Public Health reviewed a variety of children’s books to create a list of books that promote healthy eating messages consistent with current nutrition recommendations. The result is this list of 16 books for children that focus on food – growing, preparing and eating. The books are available to borrow at Ottawa Public Libraries.

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:
  • 6.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of healthy, active living on the mind and body
  • 6.2 - Investigate the benefits of nutritious foods
  • 11. - Demonstrate an understanding and critical awareness of a variety of written materials that are read by and with their educators

• Grade 1:
  • D1.1 - Food for healthy bodies and minds
  • D2.2 - Hunger and thirst cues

• Grade 2:
  • D1.2 - Food allergies
  • D2.1 - Healthy eating patterns
  • D2.2 - Food choices (snacks, meals)

• Grade 3:
• D1.1 - Food origins, nutritional value, and environmental impact
• D2.1 - Oral health, food choices
• D3.1 - Local and cultural foods, eating choices

Bright Bites

Bright Bites was developed by Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) to boost student well-being. Teachers and other school leaders can use the resources available to facilitate lessons and programs. Bright Bites can help you to:

• Provide a healthy classroom environment
• Provide hands-on opportunities to build food literacy
• Support students in developing healthy relationships with food
• Use Canada’s Food Guide

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:
  • 6.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of healthy, active living on the mind and body
  • 6.2 - Investigate the benefits of nutritious foods

• Grade 1:
  • D1.1 - Food for healthy bodies and minds
  • D2.1 - Canada’s Food Guide
  • D2.2 - Hunger and thirst cues

• Grade 2:
  • D2.1 - Healthy eating patterns
  • D2.2 - Food choices (snacks, meals)

• Grade 3: 
• D1.1 - Food origins, nutritional value, and environmental impact
• D2.1 - Oral health, food choices
• D3.1 - Local and cultural foods, eating choices

Food is Science

Food is Science is a hands-on tool for teaching science through food. It includes experiential, evidence-based resources to help educators understand and teach new food literacy learning in Ontario’s Science and Technology Curriculum.  

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019): 

• Grade 3:
  • D1.1 - Food origins, nutritional value, and environmental impact
  • D3.1 - Local and cultural foods, eating choices

Freggie Tales

Freggie Tales is a children’s program to encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Includes lesson plans and interactive online games for students.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grade 1:
  • D1.1 - Food for healthy bodies and minds
  • D2.1 - Canada’s Food Guide
  • D2.2 - Hunger and thirst cues

• Grade 2:
  • D2.1 - Healthy eating patterns
  • D2.2 - Food choices (snacks, meals)

• Grade 3:
• D1.1 - Food origins, nutritional value, and environmental impact
• D2.1 - Oral health, food choices
• D3.1 - Local and cultural foods, eating choices

Growing Chefs! in Ontario Lesson Plans

Curriculum-linked lesson plans, activities & resources for teachers and homeschoolers. These new Growing Chefs! Lesson Plans are designed to offer safe ways to continue learning about food while teachers and students are navigating at home and in school adjusted learning structures while aiding students in meeting Learning Expectations cited in the Ontario Elementary School Curriculum.  

Subjects include:  Exploring food, food systems, value of food and taste like a chef. 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grades 1-3:
• D1. - Understanding Health Concepts
• D2. - Making Healthy Choices
• D3. - Making Connections for Healthy Living 

Media Smarts: Food Marketing

The Media Smarts Food Marketing lesson plans and resources were created for teachers to educate students on understanding food advertising and how this may influence their food choices.

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:
  • 6.2 - Investigate the benefits of nutritious foods
  • 12. - Demonstrate an understanding and critical awareness of media texts 

• Grade 1:
  • D1.1 - Food for healthy bodies and minds
• Grade 2:
  • D2.1 - Healthy eating patterns
  • D2.2 - Food choices (snacks, meals)
• Grade 3:
  • D1.1 - Food origins, nutritional value, and environmental impact
  • D2.1 - Oral health, food choices

Teaching Canada's Food Guide

This toolkit for educators was developed to support intermediaries in activities with children to help them learn food skills, develop healthy eating patterns and to understand Canada’s Food Guide. 

The activities for children aged 4-6 years old will help them name different foods, group different foods and use their senses to identify foods. The activities for children aged 7 and 8 years old will help them practice growing food, explore the importance of water and learn about different cultures and food traditions. These activities support children in experiencing and exploring foods which are part of Canada’s Food Guide.

*For activities for children aged 9, please see the grade 4 section. 

Human Development and Hygiene

BAGS (Be a Germ Stopper)

BAGS (Be a Germ Stopper) is a resource which aims to support K-3 teachers with classroom and curriculum support for handwashing and other infection control measures with their students.  It includes downloadable lesson plans, games and activities as well as resources including videos and songs. 

This document is intended to be used as a print resource and is not in an accessible format.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Kindergarten: 
  • 6.3 - Practice and discuss appropriate personal hygiene that promotes personal, family, and community health
• Grade 1:
  • D2.4 - Safety at School
  • D2.5 - Hygienic procedures
• Grade 3:
  • D2.2 - Safety guidelines outside of class

Mental Health Literacy

MindMasters 2

MindMasters 2 is a mental health promotion resource that helps children to master emotional regulation through relaxation, positive thinking and mindfulness. It introduces children to these skills in fun and age-appropriate ways. With practice, children can use these skills on their own, in a variety of settings throughout their lifetime.

MindMasters 2 was developed by the Child and Youth Health Network for Eastern Ontario and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. It is now a program of Ottawa Public Health. It is designed for adults (both parents and professionals) to use with children ages 4-9 years.  

It includes a guidebook (with instructions, discussion questions and link to the Ontario Elementary curriculum) printable templates and media files (audio tracks, videos, songs).

MindMasters 2 - View/download program files

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• JK/SK:

  • 4.3 - Belonging and contributing
  • 4.4 - Self-regulation and well being 

• Grade 1:

  • D1.5 - Mental health and overall health
  • D3.3 - Thoughts, emotions, actions 
• Grade 2:
  • D1.5 - Body appreciation
  • D1.6 - Body and brain-responses and feelings
  • D2.5 - Knowing when to seek help 

• Grade 3:
• D1.6 - Brain stress response system
• D3.4 - External factors that contribute to stressful feelings

Wayfinder

The School Mental Health Ontario Wayfinder provides a clear framework for mental health learning in the classroom from kindergarten to grade 12. It includes a digital guide of lessons and activities by grade level with easy-to-follow instructions and ready-to-use communication materials to foster home-school connections. By using the Wayfinder, educators can have confidence that their approach is aligned with the Ontario curriculum, based on the latest mental health evidence and is identity-affirming and culturally responsive.  

Kindergarten Program & Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

* The curriculum expectations are listed within each lesson plan. 

Healthy Eating

Bright Bites

Bright Bites was developed by Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) to boost student well-being. Teachers and other school leaders can use the resources available to facilitate lessons and programs. Bright Bites can help you to:

• Provide a healthy classroom environment
• Provide hands-on opportunities to build food literacy
• Support students in developing healthy relationships with food
• Use Canada’s Food Guide

Human Development and Sexual Health

Sexual Health  (Grade 7)

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on a variety of sexual health topics including consent, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs), and online safety​.  

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 861 KB

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• D1.1 - Personal Safety and Injury Prevention 
• D1.3 - Delaying sexual activity 
• D1.4 - Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) 
• D1.5 - STBBIs and pregnancy prevention 
• D2.4 - Sexual health and decision making 

Sexual Health (Grade 8)

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on a variety of health topics including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, self-concept, consent, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted and/or blood born infections (STBBIs), and online safety​.

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 897 KB

• D1.4 - Decisions about sexual activity; supports
• D1.5 - Gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, self-concept 
• D2.3 - Decision making considerations and skills
• D3.3 - Relationships and intimacy

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

A list of frequently asked questions by students on human development and sexual health related topics compiled by Public Health Nurses. Answers include definitions, detailed explanations, and prevention messaging.

You will find questions and evidence-based answers on:

• General topics related to puberty and sexual health
• Menstrual cycle, erections and ejaculation
• Gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation
• Sex, pregnancy and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
• Birth control and barrier methods

Frequently Asked Questions by Educators

A list of frequently asked questions by educators related to teaching on human development and sexual health. You will find questions and answers that include information on :

• Using inclusive language
• Where to refer students and parents for more information
• How to order free condoms

The Condom Game

The Condom Game is an engaging classroom activity that includes the steps for correctly putting on a condom which students need to place in the correct order. 

• D1.5 - STBBIs and pregnancy prevention

Ophea - Always Changing 

Always Changing and Growing Up: Grades 7 & 8 Leader’s Guide provides curriculum-based lesson plans and themed activities addressing the physical, nutritional and emotional health of adolescents as well as valuable health, hygiene and body care content.  

• D1 - Demonstrate an understanding of factors that contribute to healthy development 
• D2 - Demonstrate the ability to apply health knowledge and social-emotional learning skills to make reasoned decisions and take appropriate actions relating to their personal health and well-being 
• D3 - Demonstrate the ability to make connections that relate to health and well-being – how their choices and behaviours affect both themselves and others, and how factors in the world around them affect their own and others’ health and well-being.  

Videos: Barrier Method Demonstrations

Video: Understanding Consent 

This 3-minute video on consent from 

• Grade 7:  

  • D1.3 - Delaying sexual activity (the concept of consent, the legal age of consent, and how consent is communicated) 

  • D2.4 - Sexual health and decision making 

• Grade 8:  

  • D1.4 - Decisions about sexual activity; supports

  • D2.3 - Decision making considerations and skills

Mental Health Literacy 

Youth Connections Ottawa

Youth Connections Ottawa (YCO) is a peer-to-peer program which aims to contribute to positive mental health and substance use health of Ottawa youth. YCO aims to meaningfully engage youth to enhance their knowledge of mental health and increase positive behaviours and strategies for wellbeing.

YCO uses a peer-to-peer approach, where peer leaders are supported by adult allies to learn about mental health and substance use health and then encouraged to develop activities, events and initiatives for their peers. This program recognizes that youth are often more receptive to messaging that comes from their peers. These peer leaders have their own knowledge based on lived and living experience and can help ensure that the program is delivered in a way other youth can relate to.

The YCO program has been designed so that it can be easily customized to the needs of Ottawa’s many diverse communities. 

YouthNet

YouthNet/RéseauAdo (YNRA), is a for youth, by youth mental health promotion and intervention organization that offers workshops to students in grade 7-12 with a focus on mental health literacy.

In-person workshops include: 

• Wellness 101: We all have mental health so let's learn about what that is. The goals for this workshop is for youth to understand what mental health is, understand the stigma associated to mental health and to learn about what to do if one notices changes to their mental health and where to go to ask for help. 
• StressLess: We all experience stress at some point in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if we learned some coping strategies to help us manage our most stressful days? This workshop takes you through what stress is, how to locate stress and how to manage stress all while doing fun activities. 
• How to Help a Friend: Friends are a huge protective factor in our lives so what happens when our friends ask us to support them? This workshop helps you navigate that in a healthy and safe way. We do not want you to become a mini-psychologist, but rather, we hope that you will learn about the different resources in and around Ottawa and learn how to best support that friend in need. 
• Growing Together: Human beings are complex. It can be a lot to get to know yourself and meet your own needs much less figure out how to socialize, connect with and support others! This workshop helps youth connect us all together, those that make us different, and how to navigate those differences. Participants will learn about concepts including basic social and emotional needs, neurodiversity, and empathy, and discuss resources to better support ourselves and one another. 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grade 7:
  • D1.2 - Mental health, support
  • D1.6 - Mental health, mental illness
• Grade 8:
  • D2.4 - Routines and habits for mental health
  • D3.4 - Societal views, impact of stigma

YouthNet - Youth Mental Health E-Learning Hub

The Youth Mental Health E-Learning Hub: An interactive website for Ottawa Youth (Ages 13-20) to learn about mental health, find community resources, and connect with each other.

Wayfinder

The School Mental Health Ontario Wayfinder provides a clear framework for mental health learning in the classroom from kindergarten to grade 12. It includes a digital guide of lessons and activities by grade level with easy-to-follow instructions and ready-to-use communication materials to foster home-school connections. By using the Wayfinder, educators can have confidence that their approach is aligned with the Ontario curriculum, based on the latest mental health evidence and is identity-affirming and culturally responsive.  

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019): 

* The curriculum expectations are listed within each lesson plan. 

Mental Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Substance Use Health, Addictions, and Related Behaviours 

Vaping 

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the teacher or educator with a lesson that covers multiple areas related to vaping and its use, including youth marketing tactics and potential health risks. Recovery, harm reduction and stigma are also discussed. 

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 1 MB

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grade 7:
  • D1.2 - Mental health, substances, support
  • D3.2 - Implications of substance use, addictions, and related behaviours
• Grade 8:
  • D1.3 - Warning signs, consequences

Youth Education Modules - Focusing on commercial tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act

This Olearn course for students covers: Commercial tobacco, vapour products and cannabis; health effects of smoking and vaping; information on resources and services related to mental health, addictions and substance use health as well as the federal, provincial (SFOA) and municipal smoke-free and vapour-free regulations. This course also includes a certificate of completion and will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.

Youth Connections Ottawa

Youth Connections Ottawa (YCO) is a peer-to-peer program which aims to contribute to positive mental health and substance use health of Ottawa youth. YCO aims to meaningfully engage youth to enhance their knowledge of mental health and increase positive behaviours and strategies for wellbeing.

YCO uses a peer-to-peer approach, where peer leaders are supported by adult allies to learn about mental health and substance use health and then encouraged to develop activities, events and initiatives for their peers. This program recognizes that youth are often more receptive to messaging that comes from their peers. These peer leaders have their own knowledge based on lived and living experience and can help ensure that the program is delivered in a way other youth can relate to.

The YCO program has been designed so that it can be easily customized to the needs of Ottawa’s many diverse communities. 

Substance Use Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Healthy Eating

Food is Science

Food is Science is a hands-on tool for teaching science through food. It includes experiential, evidence-based resources to help educators understand and teach new food literacy learning in Ontario’s Science and Technology Curriculum.  

Grade 9 lesson plans outline curriculum connections for science & technology and geography.

Human Development and Sexual Health

Healthy Relationships

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on Healthy Relationships including self-concept and sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, consent, online safety, and more.   

• Grade 9:
  • C1.2 - Technology – benefits and risks, safe use
  • C1.5 - Factors affecting gender identity and sexual orientation; supports
  • C2.2 - Relationships – skills and strategies
  • C2.3 - Thinking ahead about sexual health, consent, personal limits
• Grade 10:
  • C2.5 - Decision making, communication, healthy sexuality
  • C3.4 - Misconceptions relating to sexuality
  • C3.5 - Relationships – effects on self and others
• Grade 12:
  • C3.4 - Bias and stereotyping in media portrayal of relationships 

Reproductive Systems Review

• Grade 11

  • C2.3 - Reproductive and sexual health; proactive health measures

Sexually Transmitted and/or Blood Born Infections (STBBIs)

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on STBBIs, previously known as STIs, including signs, symptoms, and testing.

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 663 KB

• Grade 9

  • C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs

Preventing Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted and/or Blood Born Infections (STBBIs)

   

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the educator with a lesson on the prevention of pregnancy and STBBIs including abstinence, barrier methods, hormonal methods, vaccination, and emergency contraceptives. The module also includes video demonstrations of how to properly use barrier methods.

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 663 KB

• Grade 9

  • C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs
• Grade 11
  • C2.3 - Reproductive and sexual health; proactive health measures

Frequently Asked Questions by Students 

A list of frequently asked questions by students on human development and sexual health related topics compiled by Public Health Nurses. Answers include definitions, detailed explanations, and prevention messaging.

You will find questions and evidence-based answers on:

• General topics related to puberty and sexual health
• Menstrual cycle, erections and ejaculation
• Gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation
• Sex, pregnancy and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
• Birth control and barrier methods

Frequently Asked Questions by Educators

A list of frequently asked questions by educators related to teaching on human development and sexual health. You will find questions and answers that include information on :

• Using inclusive language
• Where to refer students and parents for more information
• How to order free condoms

The Condom Game 

The Condom Game is an engaging classroom activity that includes the steps for correctly putting on a condom which students need to place in the correct order.  

• Grade 9: C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs

Videos: Barrier Method Demonstrations 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C1.4 - Preventing pregnancy and STIs
• Grade 11: C2.3 - Reproductive and sexual health; proactive health measures

Video: Understanding Consent

This 3-minute video on consent from 

• Grade 9: C2.3 - Thinking ahead about sexual health, consent, personal limits 
• Grade 10: C2.5 - Decision making, communication, healthy sexuality 
• Grade 11: C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations 
• Grade 12: C1.3 - Skills and strategies for evolving relationships

Healthy Dating Relationships Guide

This Prevnet guide to healthy dating relationships was created through partnerships with researchers and organizations who are promoting healthy relationship strategies. It is available as PDF guide or as training modules.    

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C2.2 - Relationships – skills and strategies
• Grade 10: C3.5 - Relationships – effects on self and others
• Grade 12: C1.3 - Skills and strategies for evolving relationships

Supplemental resources and links to support teachers and educators can be found in our Additional Online Resources (by topic) section.

Mental Health Literacy 

Youth Connections Ottawa

Youth Connections Ottawa (YCO) is a peer-to-peer program which aims to contribute to positive mental health and substance use health of Ottawa youth. YCO aims to meaningfully engage youth to enhance their knowledge of mental health and increase positive behaviours and strategies for wellbeing.

YCO uses a peer-to-peer approach, where peer leaders are supported by adult allies to learn about mental health and substance use health and then encouraged to develop activities, events and initiatives for their peers. This program recognizes that youth are often more receptive to messaging that comes from their peers. These peer leaders have their own knowledge based on lived and living experience and can help ensure that the program is delivered in a way other youth can relate to.

The YCO program has been designed so that it can be easily customized to the needs of Ottawa’s many diverse communities. 

Have THAT Talk Youth Activity Guide

The have THAT talk series was developed to help individuals have important conversations and take action to improve mental health and wellness. Teachers and educators are encouraged to use the videos and accompanying guides to have THAT talk about mental health and wellness.  

We hope the videos and activities will help educators and youth be more comfortable talking about mental health, learn ways to improve mental health and know where to get help and resources for mental health.

Guides and Videos:

• How To Talk About Your Mental Health
• Reducing Stigma
• Building Resilience
• Building Social Connections  

The Complete Guide:

• Have That Talk Youth Activity Guide

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9:
  • C2.2 - Relationships – skills and strategies
  • C3.2 - Mental health concerns – warning signs and responses
  • C3.3 - Responding to bullying/ harassment
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental Health - factors that enhance
  • C3.5 - Relationships - effects on self and others
• Grade 11:
  • C1.4 - Mental illness, addictions – causes, manifestations, and effects on personal health and well-being
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
  • C3.5 - Mental illness – reducing stigma
• Grade 12:
• C2.3 - Developing resilience, making healthy choices

Have THAT Talk about Racism Activity Guide

Racism is a public health issue that is experienced worldwide. The have THAT talk about racism activity guide will teach about:

• the impacts of racism on health
• how you can be an ally
• how you can start the conversation with youth

Guides and Videos:

• Have That Talk about Racism
• Do you Want to be an Ally?
• What is Racism and What are Microaggressions?

• Grade 9:
  • C3.3 - Responding to bullying/ harassment
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental health - factors that enhance
  • C2.3 - Conflict – within oneself and with others; resolution strategies
• Grade 11:
  • C3.3 - Risk factors and supports
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
• Grade 12:
  • C2.2 - Using living skills and supports to reduce vulnerability to harassment, violence, abuse
  • C3.2 - Harassment, violence, abuse in local and global contexts – resources, support

Stigma: How You Can Impact Change E-training

Free bilingual course takes 30 minutes to complete, accessible through the StopoverdoseOttawa.ca website (and through Olearn). The course covers:

• A definition of stigma
• The mental health continuum and substance use health spectrum
• How to prevent stigma
• Person-first language and examples for both mental health and substance use health
• Community resources

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019):

• Grade 9:
  • C3.4 - Social influences; decision-making, communication skills. 

• Grade 10:
  • C1.2 - Effects on health and well-being. 

Health Gab

Health Gab is an interactive activity based on the game MAD GAB. Students learn about mental health, substance use health, resiliency, reducing stigma and promoting wellbeing.

This game is played using an interactive Google Slides presentation and includes a facilitation guide.

• Health Gab Game (Google Slides)
• Health Gab Instructions (PDF) - 172 KB
• Health Gab Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 490 KB

YouthNet

YouthNet/RéseauAdo (YNRA), is a for youth, by youth mental health promotion and intervention organization that offers workshops to students in grade 7-12 with a focus on mental health literacy.

In-person workshops include: 

• Wellness 101: We all have mental health so let's learn about what that is. The goals for this workshop is for youth to understand what mental health is, understand the stigma associated to mental health and to learn about what to do if one notices changes to their mental health and where to go to ask for help. 
• StressLess: We all experience stress at some point in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if we learned some coping strategies to help us manage our most stressful days? This workshop takes you through what stress is, how to locate stress and how to manage stress all while doing fun activities. 
• How to Help a Friend: Friends are a huge protective factor in our lives so what happens when our friends ask us to support them? This workshop helps you navigate that in a healthy and safe way. We do not want you to become a mini-psychologist, but rather, we hope that you will learn about the different resources in and around Ottawa and learn how to best support that friend in need. 
• Growing Together: Human beings are complex. It can be a lot to get to know yourself and meet your own needs much less figure out how to socialize, connect with and support others! This workshop helps youth connect us all together, those that make us different, and how to navigate those differences. Participants will learn about concepts including basic social and emotional needs, neurodiversity, and empathy, and discuss resources to better support ourselves and one another. 

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9:
  • C3.2 - Mental health concerns – warning signs and responses
• Grade 10:
  • C1.1 - Mental health – factors that enhance
• Grade 11: 
  • C3.4 - Skills for dealing with stressful situations
  • C3.5 - Mental illness – reducing stigma
• Grade 12:
  • C2.3 - Developing resilience, making healthy choices

Wayfinder

The School Mental Health Ontario Wayfinder provides a clear framework for mental health learning in the classroom from kindergarten to grade 12. It includes a digital guide of lessons and activities by grade level with easy-to-follow instructions and ready-to-use communication materials to foster home-school connections. By using the Wayfinder, educators can have confidence that their approach is aligned with the Ontario curriculum, based on the latest mental health evidence and is identity-affirming and culturally responsive.  

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2019): 

* The curriculum expectations are listed within each lesson plan. 

Mental Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Substance Use Health, Addictions, and Related Behaviours 

Vaping 

This module is to be used along with the facilitator guide and provides the teacher or educator with a lesson that covers multiple areas related to vaping and its use, including youth marketing tactics and potential health risks. Recovery, harm reduction and stigma are also discussed. 

• Module (Google Slides)
• Facilitator Guide (PDF) - 890 KB

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 9: C3.4 - Social influences; decision-making, communication skills
• Grade 10:
  • C1.2 - Effects on health and well-being
  • C2.4 - Responding to challenges involving substance use or addictions – use of living skills
• Grade 11:
  • C2.2 - Connections between substance use, addictive behaviour, and physical and mental health; making safer choices
  • C3.3 - Risk factors and supports
• Grade 12: C1.2 - Consequences of substance misuse – short-term, long-term, legal

Youth Connections Ottawa

Youth Connections Ottawa (YCO) is a peer-to-peer program which aims to contribute to positive mental health and substance use health of Ottawa youth. YCO aims to meaningfully engage youth to enhance their knowledge of mental health and increase positive behaviours and strategies for wellbeing.

YCO uses a peer-to-peer approach, where peer leaders are supported by adult allies to learn about mental health and substance use health and then encouraged to develop activities, events and initiatives for their peers. This program recognizes that youth are often more receptive to messaging that comes from their peers. These peer leaders have their own knowledge based on lived and living experience and can help ensure that the program is delivered in a way other youth can relate to.

The YCO program has been designed so that it can be easily customized to the needs of Ottawa’s many diverse communities. 

Party Safer Online Course

Free, bilingual course, accessible through StopOverdoseOttawa.ca (and through Olearn). Participants need to create an account (if you don’t already have one). Takes 30 minutes to complete; will receive a certificate of completion (valid for 1 year), recommend taking this course annually. Participants can exit and re-open it without losing progress. Provides information that can help people party as safely as possible. Covers information on:

• Commonly used substances
• Party Safer tips and reducing harms related to substance use
• Identifying and responding to an opioid overdose
• Naloxone use and how to get no-cost kits
• Coping after a distressing event
• Resources related to mental health, violence prevention, addictions and substance use health

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 12: 
  • C1.2 Consequences of substance use – short-term, long-term, legal. (PPL40)
  • C2.3 Developing resilience, making healthy choices. (PPL40)
  • C2.5 Maintaining health and well-being when independent. (PPL40)

Youth Education Modules - Focusing on commercial tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis and the Smoke-Free Ontario Act

This Olearn course for students covers: Commercial tobacco, vapour products and cannabis; health effects of smoking and vaping; information on resources and services related to mental health, addictions and substance use health as well as the federal, provincial (SFOA) and municipal smoke-free and vapour-free regulations. This course also includes a certificate of completion and will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.

Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Expectations (2015): 

• Grade 12:
  • C1.2 Consequences of substance use – short-term, long-term, legal. (PPL40)
  • C1.2 - Effects on health and well-being. (PPL20)
  • C2.3 Developing resilience, making healthy choices. (PPL40)
  • C2.5 Maintaining health and well-being when independent. (PPL40)

Substance Use Health Infographic (OSDUHS 2021)

The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) has been conducted every 2 years since 1977 by the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). CAMH administered the survey to Ontario students in grades 7-12 during the 2020-2021 school year, and OPH’s Epidemiology team analyzed the local data. The 2021 report highlights the challenges that many youth faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the resiliency and ability of many youth in our community to adapt to unprecedented challenges.

This infographic shows some of the key OSDUHS findings for youth in Ottawa.  For a more detailed report go to Status of Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Use Health among Ottawa Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Updated information for the year 2023 will be available soon.

Human Development and Sexual Health

Lesson Plans for Students with Special Education Needs: Differing Abilities 

Lesson plans from  Teaching Sexual Health  for students who may experience challenges in their social and emotional development in comparison to typically developing students. The lesson plans often give options for students who may need more support versus activities where students can work more independently or in small groups.      

• Personal boundaries     
• Personal safety     
• Our bodies are private     
• Relationships     
• Sexual and reproductive health (STIs & birth control)     
• Puberty changes