“The videos left me with a feeling of hope. It made me realize that you can do anything no matter the circumstances.”
-Student, Quebec
Our In-School Experience
A Living Curriculum is a student-focused mental wellness program that uses real-life stories and music to support social and emotional learning.
A Living Curriculum: Stories of Life through Darkness includes 4 modules which contain stories of young people we have met while on the road. These stories are accompanied with music and lyrics that underscore the issues discussed.
Though each story is vastly different from the other, students are led to discover that going from a time of struggling to a life of significance has a common path. These steps are highlighted through student reflection and discussion. Students are left with an understanding that, if they are struggling, they are not alone and, with help, there is hope and a path to a better future.
Using a series of interactive video modules, learning will be based on listening, reflecting and articulating thought. Extra activities to further engage students will also be available for each module. Modules are customizable to accommodate middle school and high school aged students.
Students will have the opportunity to share their own stories and also gain access to needed support through partner portals and resources. The resource will aid in-school educators and support staff to create cultural engagement and discussions around mental wellness.
We understand that schools have limited counselling resources. To help bridge the gap, we have partnered with Kids Help Phone, Canadian Mental Health Association, Telus Health, and Provincial Integrated Youth Services. To learn more about these partner programs, please visit their website or reach us at learning@robbnash.com.
Our objective is to foster an environment of empathy and hope, and to nurture a community of support.
Teacher Testimonials:
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Robb Nash is a true mental health champion. This curriculum allows our students to not only hear Robb’s story, but the stories of other youth who have struggled with their mental health and, ultimately, found hope and their sense of purpose. These stories and lesson plans are inspirational and very relatable for the students in our schools. I also really appreciate the explicit connections made to the Ontario curriculum. I am excited to share this empowering resource with our school communities.
Michelle Neville, Mental Health Leader, CDSBEO
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The Robb Nash Project: Stories of Life Through Darkness is "A Living Curriculum" full of helpful and necessary resources for teachers and students on the subjects of suicide and mental health. Working through the content with students allows for a very personal and welcome sharing of their OWN stories. I really enjoyed the video journal option and it was very easy for the students to navigate through the modules. It was an enriching experience for all of us!
Nicole Wlodarczyk (BEd), ESL and ELA eacher
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I was so delighted to see how quickly my students opened up to me during the Robb Nash Project course. This allowed me to get to know them better and to build stronger relationships with them!
Kimberly Strange, Teacher, Quebec
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I liked how the students directly replied in the online journals, and we could immediately see their responses to follow up if needed. The videos were excellent, and the students really responded and engaged when Robb was on the screen.
Teacher, Saskatchewan
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We really liked the real-life stories that were shared besides Robb's. As a teacher, I appreciated the diversity of the challenges identified.
Teacher, Manitoba
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I think the program was great and every student from 7 - 12 should take part, not because they need it now, but because they may need it at some point in their lives. Students need to know that they are not alone and I think this program does a super job of this.
Teacher, Newfoundland
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The individual stories were powerful and allowed students to learn through shared experience.
Teacher, Alberta
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My class particularly enjoyed the music videos and the storytelling. That was the best resource as it sparked natural, open, and honest conversations.
Teacher, Manitoba
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The content allows for open discussion that often led to other important topics. I love how flexible it is.
Social Worker, Manitoba
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Journaling was helpful as this was kept confidential, and students felt more willing to share.
Teacher
What Students Are Saying:
I now understand that it's not what's on the outside, it's what's going on inside.
Student, Alberta
It really did show me it's okay to talk about your feelings and it's better to talk about them then just shoving it all down and making yourself even worse.
Student, Quebec
I think that after I watched these videos of people sharing what they think about their life, I should do the same thing and share my life to others so hopefully they can help me.
Student British, Columbia
Everyone has their own struggles and they all matter even if it's something small.
Student, New Brunswick
“In a way, learning about these stories has completely changed my view of mental health. Seeing Robb and hearing what he went through made me realize that mental health is something anyone can go through. Anyone can feel like their life does not matter, and we need to stand together and end that once and for all. Don't walk away from someone in pain. Help them and, if you cannot, find someone who can. They deserve it as much as you. Since watching Robb’s story I have noticed the world around me and how every day there are people struggling with mental health. My view has changed for the better, and I hope that is the same for anyone else.”
Student, Alberta
“It has made me become more aware and accepting of mental health and more supportive of people with issues.”
Student, Manitoba
After hearing all these stories it shows me that it's ok to open up about what we're going through and it's ok to talk about it.
Student, Alberta
These stories made me realize many things. It made me realize that many people have been through different experiences. It also made me realize that many people cope with these struggles differently even if its healthy or unhealthy.
Student, British Columbia
I think before this project I thought it was straightforward when someone was struggling because of signs, but this made me realize it's not that obvious when someone is struggling.
Student, Ontario
I learned lots of ways to cope and that I'm not the only one struggling with the stuff that I am and other people feel the same way.
Student, Saskatchewan
“I can see how well crafted all the videos are and the range of experiences shared is fantastic! Robb's story has a truly anchored tone to it and I think it's a wonderful way to open the learning.”
Meaghan Johnston RSW, PhD
