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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why I am feeling challenged and describe ways to take action to overcome this.

      Key learning points

      1. There are many reasons we may find something challenging, including our self-esteem, energy levels and emotional state.
      2. Paying attention to our emotions helps us understand why we find something challenging; then we can apply strategies.
      3. If we feel nervous about something, we can take deep breaths, break it down into smaller steps and talk about it.
      4. If we feel frustrated by something, we can take a break, try doing it another way or ask someone if they might help.
      5. If we feel sad and alone, we can make a plan to go and do something or reach out to a friend.

      Keywords

      • Challenge - in this context, a problem that is difficult to solve or overcome

      • Strategy - a plan you make to reach a goal or win something, like figuring out the best moves in a game or how to study for a test

      Common misconception

      We should solve challenges on our own.

      Some challenges need more time, effort and support to overcome. Asking for help isn’t a weakness - it's a good way to learn and feel supported.

      Teacher tip

      Display pupils' answers to Task B in the classroom. Encourage pupils to refer to the display when they need support to overcome a challenge.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:emotions,feelings we have inside, like happiness, sadness or anger

      feelings we have inside, like happiness, sadness or anger

      Correct Answer:frustrated,feeling mad or upset when things don't go the way you want them to go

      feeling mad or upset when things don't go the way you want them to go

      Correct Answer:self-esteem,feeling good about yourself and knowing that you're a good person

      feeling good about yourself and knowing that you're a good person

      Q2.
      What type of challenges might we face in life?

      Correct answer: feeling pressured to fit in
      feeling confident in ourselves
      Correct answer: friendship troubles
      finding school work easy
      Correct answer: changes at home or school

      Q3.
      Which statements are true?

      Correct answer: Some challenges can feel easy to manage.
      Correct answer: Some challenges can feel difficult to manage.
      All challenges are easy to manage.
      All challenges are difficult to manage.

      Q4.
      Different people will respond to challenges in ways and that is ok.

      Correct Answer: different

      Q5.
      How can we overcome challenges?

      by having a negative mindset
      Correct answer: by having a positive mindset
      Correct answer: by looking after ourselves during challenges
      by keeping our emotions to ourselves

      Q6.
      What should we do if a challenge feels too difficult to manage?

      give up
      stay indoors all day
      shout at other people
      Correct answer: talk to a trusted adult

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:challenge,in this context, a problem that is difficult to solve or overcome

      in this context, a problem that is difficult to solve or overcome

      Correct Answer:attention,when you focus on something

      when you focus on something

      Correct Answer:strategy,a plan you make to reach a goal or win something

      a plan you make to reach a goal or win something

      Q2.
      What can affect how we face challenges in life?

      Correct answer: our energy levels
      the clothes we wear
      Correct answer: our self-esteem
      Correct answer: how we feel emotionally
      how many siblings we have

      Q3.
      How might a challenge affect us?

      challenges make our lives easier
      Correct answer: challenges can help us to learn and grow as people
      challenges can make us grow taller
      Correct answer: challenges can affect our emotions
      Correct answer: challenges can help us develop our resilience

      Q4.
      Paying to our emotions helps us to understand why we find something challenging.

      Correct Answer: attention

      Q5.
      Which statements are true?

      We should solve challenges on our own.
      Asking for help is a sign of weakness.
      Correct answer: Some challenges require more time, effort and support to overcome.
      Correct answer: It's ok to ask for help to overcome a challenge.

      Q6.
      How can we overcome challenges?

      Correct answer: by breaking challenges down into manageable steps
      by giving up and never doing the thing again
      Correct answer: by asking for help from a trusted adult or friend
      Correct answer: by trying to solve the challenge in a different way

      To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Facing challenges, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...