Family Wellbeing Activity | September: PERMA+ Snapshot

Science shows there are six elements of wellbeing, known as PERMA+: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Mattering, Accomplishment, and +Health, and the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to integrate regular wellbeing check-ins into classroom routines. 

By reflecting on each PERMA+ element, students can set meaningful goals and build happiness resources necessary for strengthening their resilience and confidence in achieving lasting positive change.

In this activity, families will create a PERMA+ Snapshot journal or poster and track their wellbeing scores together. Each week, they’ll focus on one element, sharing wins, setting small goals, and choosing fun activities to boost connection and happiness at home.

Families will:

• Learn about the building blocks of wellbeing in a fun, visual way
• Identify areas where they feel strong and where they’d like to grow
• Set small, achievable goals to boost happiness and wellbeing together

Here’s what you’ll get:

• September PERMA+ Snapshot Activity with step-by-step instructions
• Colorful Poster to introduce the PERMA+ model to families
• Reflection Slips for parents, caregivers, and kids
• Goal Tracker Worksheet to turn insights into action
• Links to additional free resources and expanded lessons from Proof Positive

Activities include posters, reflection slips, and activity trackers, and links to additional free resources and expanded lessons from Proof Positive to make wellbeing skills visual and engaging.

Why you’ll love these activities:

• Low-prep & flexible: quick to share, easy for families to complete at home
• Science-based & inclusive: rooted in positive psychology, accessible for all learners
• Family-friendly: encourages meaningful conversations at the start of the school year

Ways to Use:

• Family engagement take-home activity
• School counseling or SEL program extension
• Parent workshops or family nights
• September icebreaker for after-school programs 

What is PERMA+? 

The founder of Positive Psychology, Martin Seligman, explains there are several elements critical to human flourishing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments (PERMA+). We believe in the mind-body connection and have added +Health to reflect that physical health is a vital element of wellbeing. By learning the science and skills related to each element, you can take control of your wellbeing and drive your life toward a flourishing future!

Science of PERMA+

People who track their PERMA+ Snapshot are more likely to practice the skills of wellbeing that lead to:

• More resilience in times of challenge & stress
• Higher levels of satisfaction with work & their career
• Deeper and more meaningful relationships
• Increased social support
• Greater meaning in their community & day-to-day lives
• Increased performance and higher achievement
• Better sleep quality
• Less depression and anxiety

Looking for more Family-Focused SEL resources? 

Explore our Family Wellbeing SEL Activity Bundle, featuring 9 activities for the entire school year, from gratitude letter writing to creating positivity portfolios. And as always, full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness are available at our Skill Center. All units include teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism. 

Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!