The major themes identified from the teacher interviews

Findings from analysis of the teacher interviews identified several main themes, where possible the themes were labeled using the teacher in vivo words:

1. Mixed expectations: more discussions, looked forward to knowing it, something I could follow

2. Disliked the hard to explain activities 3. Teacher manual clear and helpful

4. Supported pupils by doing it together and sharing stories 5. Insights about their teaching style

6. Insights about pupils

7. Suggestions for improvement to the PWBC 8. Future use of PWBC and recommendation

9. Enjoyment of the experience

6.7.1 Theme 1: Expectation of the PWBC; no definite expectation, looking forward

Teachers stated that prior to attending the PWBC Teacher training Session;

they did not have any specific expectation of the forthcoming curriculum. There was an expectation that the PWBC would be like other programmes that they were familiar in school.

I thought it would be a lot more discussion and not activity based, more like circle time.

(Teacher 1, school A)

I have no idea; I was looking forward to knowing it (Teacher1, school B)

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Did not have massive expectations, hoping that it would be like PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education). PHSE was not structured enough, so I was hoping this would be something I could follow.

(Teacher 2, school B)

6.7.2 Theme 2: Favourite activities

Teachers expressed enthusiasm for teaching the practical activities, explaining that they these activities seemed ‘easier to teach’. Teachers reported being aware that if they understood the activities they enjoyed teaching it and this in turn influenced the pupils understanding and enjoyment.

I liked the first few, I found the first few easier to teach and I found that the children responded more to them because they understood them better.

(Teacher 2, school A)

I like the meditation part that was quite nice. I also like the one where we were savouring the moments.

(Teacher2, school B)

6.7.3 Theme 3: Disliked hard to explain activities

Teachers reported finding it difficult to teach activities that they ‘didn’t understand’. Here again the teachers reported that their understanding and enjoyment, or the lack of this influenced how the activity was received by the pupils.

Goal setting, they found that hard.

Being involved in the community, it was hard for me to explain to them

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The Flow activity because I didn’t understand what I was supposed to be doing there. I found that was tricky to teach. I did not enjoy teaching it so I know the kids will not get anything from it. They all loved the Happiness box.

(Teacher 1, school A)

There was one lesson where there were two sets of photographs at the beginning. Not sure they really got it so much, in general my class are kinda, they are not very emotional class

(Teacher 3, school B)

6.7.4 Theme 4: Teacher manual clear and helpful

Teachers spoke positively about the PWBC teacher manual, describing it as being ‘very clear’. Additionally teachers said they found it helpful to have all the information for each session available in one folder.

The curriculum explained everything very well; it was good having the entire vocab, with all the definitions in there. The Journal was good, the children liked it, and pages at the back were helpful.

(Teacher 1, school A)

The teaching book was brilliant; you know in that particular little folder, there was not loose paper hanging around. Very clear in the instructions. Lots of stuff to do in there. Just found it kind of like, some of the material (PHSE program) that was provided to be wishy washy, cos I liked doing this, I wasn’t intimidated by doing this especially when I read the material so have enjoyed doing it for that

(Teacher 2, school B)

6.7.5 Theme 5: Supporting pupils experience through working together and sharing experiences

Because we know them, we know how to explain things to them and how to get them to talk and to get them to open up and how to get them to feel safe in the classroom as well. Usually I’m very strict or stay with schools topic and things but now and again I would talk about what I would do and how I plan my things at home and they loved hearing me say how I do things.

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Some children found it easy to recall experiences, others have none. Some of them found it difficult to think of a tie when they had to deal with negative emotions. I think the fact that we did most of it together helped so like say the Happiness Box I did mine.

(Teacher, school A, teacher1)

I think of the things are quite helpful. Wouldn’t say there is one specific thing but there are lots of good things there I think which is good for us as teachers as well. Makes you realize you don’t have to be the loud one or the talented one or the one that answers all the questions, there is a place for everyone in the world.

(Teacher, school A, class teacher 2)

Being more open with them (pupils) because just after discussing that with you as well. I didn’t think I could do it and I actually found it quite open I found it really important with this class to do that, and they seemed to learn a lot from it. (Teacher 1, school B )

6.7.6 Theme 6: Future use of PWBC and recommendation

It’s nice, I would recommend it to other teachers and I think it would be a nice experience for them, it’s a chance to do things and discuss things with children that you don’t otherwise get time to do.

(Teacher 1, school A)

I would but I think for an older year group, even 5 or 6. The first five or six things (activities) were really good for year 4.

(Teacher 2, school, A)

I would run it in another class. I would incorporate it with other activities rather than a stand-alone

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Yeah I think so, definitely run it again. It was a good system of work. I would definitely recommend it

(Teacher 2, school B)

6.7.7 Theme 7: Enjoyment of the experience

I enjoyed it, the kids did, they seem to enjoy it, you know pay attention, so I was happy. I was happy with it.

(Teacher 2, school B)

I just want to steal some activities. It’s a shame the one child that would have really benefitted was off.

(Teacher 1, school A)

6.8 Similarities and differences between the themes derived from