BEST Model Learning Stations - An Introduction to Holistic Health Education
This health learning station activity is the perfect way to introduce students to the BEST Model! The BEST Model is Project School Wellness’ signature health education framework. And with elementary and middle/high school versions, this health lesson plan is a must-have for any health teacher!
Table of Contents:
How the Learning Station Activity Works
The BEST Model Learning Station activity features four stations with engaging learning activities for students. Each station relates to one of the BEST Model dimensions of health - Body, Environment, Self, and (Social) Ties. Students complete the task at each station to better explore their holistic well-being.
What is the BEST Model?
The BEST Model is Project School Wellness’ signature health framework. This health model divides health into four dimensions:
B - Body (Your physical body)
E - Environment (Your surroundings and the spaces you live your life in)
S - Self (Your inner world - your identity and the thoughts, emotions, and values that guide your life)
T - (Social) Ties (Your community and relationships)
Set Up for the BEST Model Learning Stations
Here’s a breakdown of the activity step up and prep:
Elementary Version:
Print BEST Model poster, laminate if desired.
Print, cut, and organize the station posters and materials.
Station 1: Body - Print, cut, and fold fortune teller
Station 2: Environment - Print scavenger hunt cards
Station 3: Self - Print, cut, and organize matching game cards
Station 4: (Social) Ties - Set out a stack of Post-its with a marker.
Middle and High School Version:
Print BEST Model poster, laminate if desired.
Print, cut, and organize station posters and materials.
Station 1: Body - Print and cut discussion cards
Station 2: Environment - Print scavenger hunt card
Station 3: Self - Print dice game, find dice
Station 4: (Social) Ties - Print “How to be a Good Friend” posters (at least one for each set of stations you print) or set out a stack of Post-its
Student Directions for the BEST Model Learning Stations
Once you’ve finished the preparation and setup, it’s time for students to complete the learning station activity. Here’s a breakdown of the student directions (it works the same for both the elementary and middle/high school versions):
Step #1: Divide students into pairs/small groups. Assign them a station to begin at.
Tip: Print more than one set of stations to keep the group sizes smaller.
Step #2: At the stations, students will read through the poster and activity directions. Then, they will complete the learning activity.
Step #3: Once they’ve completed the station, they will rotate to the next.
Debrief and Reflection
After the activity, guide students to reflect on the BEST Model and make connections to their real lives. Here are some elementary and middle/high school-specific prompts:
Elementary Discussion Prompts
Share one real-life example of the BEST Model.
What’s one new thing you learned about health?
In your opinion, which dimension of the BEST Model is most important to your health?
Middle and High School Discussion Prompts
What’s something new you learned about health from the BEST Model?
What are some habits you have related to one of the BEST Model dimensions of health?
What confused you about the BEST Model?
You could also use these prompts as a formative assessment on an exit ticket or as a journal entry.
What to Teach Next???
This learning station activity was a hit with my students. They had fun at each station and they are becoming more aware of what the BEST model looks like in their life. The best was that once they did the BEST Model learning station activity, they were ready to start rating their own health with this “My Daily ‘BEST’” worksheet. Be sure to click here to check it out!
