Light Up My ‘Against-the-Light Moments’ — A Psychological Resilience Lecture Series for Primary School Students

“Why am I so unlucky? I always face all kinds of difficulties and setbacks.”

“Whenever something goes wrong, I feel really upset. What should I do?”

“What can I do when things don’t go my way?”

Driven by these students’ questions, Ms. Yu Chen, a school counsellor from the SUIS Qingpu “Heart Hut” Counselling Centre, delivered a series of age-appropriate psychological resilience lectures for primary students this semester.

Setback Photo Booth — My ‘Against-the-Light Moments’

Through a warm-up game called the “One-Legged Standing Challenge”, Ms. Yu helped younger students recognise that setbacks are a normal part of life, and that feeling disappointed or frustrated is completely natural.

Older students played “Werewolf”, using the game to reflect on their personal challenges. Through the story of Auggie from Wonder, they shared their own “against-the-light moments” – times when life felt difficult or unfair.

Energy Gems for Overcoming Setbacks — Lighting Up My ‘Against-the-Light Moments’

Since difficulties and setbacks are unavoidable, so how can we coexist with them?

Younger students found inspiration in the short film Piper. They saw how the little sandpiper overcame its fear of the waves with its mother’s support and by learning from a hermit crab. From Piper, they learned three “Energy Gems”: Positive Thinking, Discovering Your Strengths, and Seeking Help from Others.

Older students watched a video comparing how two people, Jay and Ann, responded to the same challenge with different mindsets. They learned about the difference between a “fixed mindset” and a “growth mindset”, and how each can shape our lives.

They discovered that a growth mindset – believing you can improve through effort and practice – can be developed over time. They then applied this idea to help Auggie from Wonder build a growth mindset to face his own challenges.

Setback Funhouse Mirror — My ‘Shining Moments’

“Now look at your setback in the mirror again – what does it look like?”

“What do you understand about setbacks now?”

“What would you like to say to your setback today?”

Guided by Ms Yu, younger students identified their personal “3I Energy Gems”:

I am

I am- my positive qualities

I can

I can – my personal strengths

I have

I have – people who can help me

Older students explored different thinking styles through the “My Mindset Mode” activity, practicing a growth mindset through role-play:

Not Yet Thinking

Not Yet Thinking – I haven’t mastered it yet

Green Light Thinking – learning from mistakes

Warrior Thinking – challenging yourself to improve

Role Model Thinking – learning from others

Treasure Chest Thinking – using available resources

Setback Training Ground

Finally, in the “Setback Training Ground”, students practiced using their Energy Gems to face simulated challenges. By looking at setbacks in a new way, they realised these obstacles weren’t so scary after all – some even seemed a little bit cute!

As the philosopher Nietzsche said, “What does not kill us makes us stronger.” Whatever challenges lie ahead, we believe our students – equipped with their “3I Energy Gems” and a growing “growth mindset” – will face them with courage and resilience. Every “against-the-light moment” can become a treasured mark of growth on their journey!