The Ultimate Health Teacher Guide
Health Education 101
Everything you need to confidently teach health and empower students to thrive.
Comprehensive, Skills-Based health education
The Core Principles of Health Education
The Project School Wellness Curriculum embraces two transformative health education principles: authentic health education is comprehensive to address the full scope of well-being, and impactful learning is rooted in a skills-based approach that equips students for real-life success.
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Authentic Health Education is Comprehensive
To teach health authentically, it’s essential to address the full picture of well-being. Tools like the B.E.S.T. model and the Wellness Wheel help students understand the multidimensional nature of their health, covering physical, emotional, social, and other dimensions of wellness. By teaching the interconnectedness of these dimensions, you can guide students toward a holistic view of their well-being.
The B.E.S.T. Model →
Impactful Health Education is Skills-Based
Focusing on skills is the key to creating impactful learning experiences. The health skills outlined in the National Health Education Standards provide a clear framework for teaching students how to take control of their health. These skills, such as decision-making, communication, and self-management, empower students with the tools they need to navigate their lives and care for themselves effectively.
What is Skills-Based Health? →
Authentic Health Education is Comprehensive
The Dimensions
of Health
Examine the core aspects of personal well-being
Two Tools to Teach Comprehensive Health
The B.E.S.T. Model
A simple, student-friendly tool to help check in with your well-being by focusing on four key areas: Body, Environment, Self, and Social Ties.
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Take care of your body and understand its needs.
Nurture an enriching relationship with your body
Build awareness of how your body feels and functions
Nourish your body with food, sleep, movement, and water
Practice good hygiene and disease prevention skills to keep your body free of illness
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Access clean, safe, and secure spaces to thrive in.
Spend time outdoors to get fresh air and sunlight
Organize your space and keep it clutter-free
Personalize your space to make it your own
Designate cozy, comfortable places where you can relax and experience calm
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Know yourself and manage your mental well-being.
Monitor and manage your mental well-being with the Mental Health Bucket
Build self-awareness and practice self-reflection and gratitude
Pursue hobbies and other interests that bring you joy
Ask for help and support when you need it
Confidently be yourself
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Build strong connections and feel a sense of belonging.
Actively connect with others and nurture relationships
Practice empathy and build awareness of others
Participate in community activities
Communicate effectively and openly
The Wellness Wheel
A holistic visual that shows how different parts of your life, like mental, physical, and social health, work together to shape your overall well-being.
How to Use the B.E.S.T. Model
Health Check-Ins
Use the B.E.S.T. Model to help students evaluate their well-being across key areas, promoting self-awareness and healthy habits.
Clear Communication
The B.E.S.T. Model gives you specific language to articulate and discuss health-related issues, making conversations about well-being more focused and effective.
Decision-Making Support
Apply the B.E.S.T. Model to guide your choices, ensuring they positively impact your overall health and happiness.
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The Dimensions
of Health
The Project School Wellness health curriculum takes a comprehensive approach to health education, addressing every aspect of well-being to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
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Cultural Health
Your identity
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Emotional and Mental Health
Your emotions and your ability to cope
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Environmental Health
Your surroundings and the spaces where you live, work, and play
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Financial Health
Your financial security
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Intellectual Health
Your creativity and interest in learning
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Occupational Health
Your career
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Physical Health
Your body and how well it’s working
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Social Health
Your relationships and community
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Spiritual Health
Your values and purpose
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Sexual Health
Your sexual self
Impactful Health Education is Skills-Based
The Health Skills
Your guide to teaching practical skills for lifelong health.
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The Health
Education Skills
While there are many skills we need to master in life to live healthy, thriving lives, the National Health Education Standards highlight seven key skills students should be exposed to, practice, and master throughout their health education. These are the seven health education skills:
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Building and Applying Functional Knowledge
SHAPE America Standard #1
Learning and Using Health Knowledge
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Analyzing Influences
SHAPE America Standard #2
See What Shapes Your Choices
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Accessing Resources
SHAPE America Standard #3
Find Good Health Info & Services
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Interpersonal Communication
SHPE America Standard #4
Communicate Effectively
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Decision Making
SHAPE America Standard #5
Make Enriching Health Choices
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Goal Setting
SHAPE America Standard #6
Set and Reach Health Goals
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Practice Health Enhancing Behaviors
SHAPE America Standard #7
Take Care of Your Well-being
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Advocacy
SHAPE America Standard #8
Speak Up for Health
Teaching a Health Skill is as Easy as 1,2,3
Step 1: Introduce the Health Skill
Step 2: Practice the Health Skill Cues
Step 3: Apply the Health Skill to Real Life
Teach SHAPE America’s Health Skills
Health Skills
Teaching Toolkit
SHAPE America’s National Health Education Standards outline eight essential health skills that empower students to take charge of their well-being. Project School Wellness’ signature teaching guides dive into these skills, equipping teachers with strategies to help students explore, practice, and apply effective methods for managing their health and confidently navigating real-life challenges.
No Subject is as Important as Health Education.
Explore All of Our Teaching Guides
Meet Project School Wellness
Your Go-To Partner in Health Education!
At Project School Wellness, we are dedicated to making health education simple, effective, and life-changing.
As your one-stop health education hub, we offer ready-to-use health curriculum and resources for health teachers, expert guidance for parents navigating tough topics, and trusted insights for students building lifelong health skills. Whether in the health classroom, at home, or learning on your own, we’re here to help students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to live their healthiest, happiest lives.
