Rynfield Primary School learners discovered five powerful tools to help them manage their emotions during the High Five programme on September 26.

Through an interactive show, the learners were guided on how to express themselves in stressful situations while being entertained and encouraged to embrace healthy ways of dealing with their feelings.

“We are trying to help the learners use their bodies to calm down. Remember, when you are scared or in a state of fear, you can either calm your mind or use your body to calm down, using your five fingers to show that you have superpowers. This is an aid for children up to the age of 10 to help them overcome whatever they are facing,” said the programme’s Keanu Buys.

Through a live theatre production led by Liane Nieuwenhuys and Li Sihlali, grades one to four learners were taught key values – kindness, safety, resilience, bravery and individuality – to deal with emotions, anxiety and depression, as well as speaking out when somebody is hurting them.

Learners Jaxon Husband and Kgoshigadi Selebela shared their experiences, saying they will implement the five superpowers they learnt during the event.

“I learnt to be kind to others. I must not be mean to people because I don’t know what they may be going through. So I must always be kind to others,” said Husband.

Selebela added, “The thing I learnt today was not to be rude and disrespectful to others. I must always treat other people how I want to be treated.”

Teacher Simonè Hobbs praised the High Five programme, saying it provides learners with a practical tool to use when faced with tough situations.

“It’s going to give them a tool to revert to, something practical they can look at in tough situations. The team was amazing. They gave examples of every single superpower. I think it really gives the children a practical tool on how to deal with their emotions,” she said.

Former musician Kay Cheynatov started High Five to help young children find their voices on sensitive topics like depression and anxiety.

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