What’s the Best Health Class Framework? Comparing the BEST Model vs. the Wellness Wheel vs. the Health Triangle as Health Models
Is it time to move beyond the Wellness Wheel and Health Triangle? Are these two health frameworks what’s the best for your health class? Or is it time to check out something new, like the BEST Model? Let’s explore.
Table of Contents
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What is a Health Model?
A health model, or health framework, is the structure health teachers use to explain what it means to be healthy and what health looks like in everyday life. It is one piece of the foundation of health education (with the health skills being the other!)
For years, the Wellness Wheel and the Health Triangle have been the go-to health models for health education. Health teachers (including yours truly) have leaned on these health frameworks to explain the dimensions of health and to help students understand that health is about more than just physical fitness. But is it time to say goodbye to these models and welcome in something more user-friendly and memorable?
Here at Project School Wellness, we believe so. And that’s exactly why the BEST Model, a comprehensive, skills-based health framework designed to be used in real life, came to be! Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these three models and discover why the BEST Model may be the right choice for your health class.
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What is the BEST Model?
The BEST Model is Project School Wellness’s signature health framework. It divides well-being into four distinct dimensions of health:
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)
Why Teachers Love The BEST Model
Teachers love how simple yet comprehensive this model is, and the BEST acronym is very easy to remember, making it an effective health education teaching tool. The word “best” also helps students understand that to live their lives well, all of the dimensions of health need to work together.
It’s an added bonus that teachers can connect additional dimensions of health to BEST elements when/if needed.
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What is the Wellness Wheel?
The Wellness Wheel, created by Dr, Bill Hettle (co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, is a circle divided into 6, 8, or 10 wedges, each representing a dimension of health. It is robust and comprehensive, outlining very specific areas of a person’s well-being. Depending on the version, dimensions of health include cultural, emotional and mental, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, sexual, social, and spiritual health.
Why Teachers Love The Wellness wheel
Teachers appreciate the Wellness Wheel because it shows very specific dimensions of health, which helps students see how multi-layered health is. They also like how you can use it to visualize your health like with this interactive Wellness Wheel tool.
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What is the Health Triangle?
The Health Triangle is a straightforward model that divides health into three parts: physical, mental, and social. Originally, it was created as a school project in Alaska and later adopted by the WHO. The simplicity of this one makes it a favorite in many health classrooms.
Why Teachers Love The health triangle
Teachers love the clarity of the Health Triangle. It gives students an easy entry point to understanding that health is holistic and not just about the physical body.
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Which Health Model is Best for Health Teachers?
So which one is best? The truth is that it comes down to personal preference. There isn’t a wrong or right choice. At the end of the day, what matters most is that students understand that their health and happiness are not defined by only their bodies.
Each of these health frameworks - The BEST Model, the Wellness Wheel, and the Health Triangle - can all work great in your classroom! When you pair them with authentic skills-based health teaching strategies, each model can provide a strong foundation for an effective and meaningful health education learning experience.
Now with all of that being said, if I had to recommend one, it would be the BEST Model.
Five Reasons Why I Recommend Using the BEST Model in Health Class
Yes, I may be a little biased since the BEST Model is Project School Wellness’s signature framework, but I wholeheartedly recommend choosing the BEST Model over the Wellness Wheel or the Health Triangle. Simply put, it is the most effective and easy-to-use framework for health education. Here’s why:
It’s easy to remember.
The acronym makes it very easy for my youngest elementary kids to my oldest high schoolers to quickly recall the core dimensions of health in their lives.It’s easy to use.
Because the BEST Model and its dimensions of health are so easy to remember, this model is very easy to use as a personal reflection tool + how to live healthy guide (a.k.a. a decision-making cheatsheet).It’s actually relevant to students’ lives.
The comprehensive dimensions of health in the BEST Model helps students recognize all the layers of their well-being rather than focusing only on physical health. It also gives students permission and space to explore beyond the surface of what their holistic well-being looks like.It works for any phase/age of life.
There is no age limit to the BEST Model. It is relevant to any and everyone. Throughout different phases of life, what exactly the BEST model looks like will ebb and flow, but the framework remains constant.It’s actionable.
The BEST Model goes beyond self-reflection and building self-awareness (which is very important!). It empowers students to take action. Each check-in with the framework naturally guides their next steps.
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How to Teach the BEST Model in Your Health Classes
If you’re intrigued by the BEST Model and you’re excited to explore a health framework that goes deeper than the Health Triangle and is easier to use than the Wellness Wheel, check out our BEST Model resources:
The BEST Model Learning Stations (includes elementary + middle and high school versions) - Buy | Free Access for Members
This health learning station activity is interactive and a great way to introduce students to the BEST Model!The BEST Model Cootie Catcher - Free Access for Members
This printable cootie catcher is a fun instant activity to start class (or for a quick review!)Daily BEST Student Check-in Health Worksheet - Free Access for Members
The Daily BEST health worksheet is a great tool to help students get into the habit of intentional self-reflection.
I’d love to hear from you! What health model do you use in your classroom?