Many students experience increased levels of anxiety throughout their time spent in school. Some students have to cope with the unpleasant chores of separating and individuating from their biological families.
In contrast, others may have to attend to many employment and family commitments in addition to their academic strain. You, as teachers, have a special connection with young people. As a result, you are often privy to or made aware of when kids are going through a difficult time emotionally.
This is because you have a unique relationship with them. To create a supportive learning environment, you must be aware of ways to assist both your mental health and well-being as well as that of your students. You must be able to deal with these circumstances appropriately, not only for your wellness but also for the well-being of the kids who require support.
Need for Trained Professionals
School counsellors have specialised training to address issues of both a behavioural and emotional nature that are common among young children and teenagers. They are sensitive to kids’ challenges and can empathise with them. In addition to theoretical education, teachers also get hands-on experience in child psychology and growth.
Check how children are doing
Before instructing pupils in new curricular material, instructors and other school employees should take the time to evaluate the student’s current academic standing. Keep in mind that youngsters could have trouble focusing at first or want more time to get back into the swing of things when it comes to studying.
Make sure that there are chances for the children to take breaks, get up and walk about, and talk to their other classmates and friends.
Mental health determinants
The adolescent years are critical for developing healthy social and emotional patterns essential for overall mental health. Among them are establishing good sleep habits, regular physical activity, cultivating healthy coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and learning to regulate emotions effectively.
It is essential to have protective and supportive surroundings in the home, school, and the larger community.
Role of School
The vast majority of kids go to school, where they typically spend between six and seven hours of each and every school day absorbing new information. It is possible for the incorporation of mental health education into the curriculum of a school to have a significant impact on the overall well-being of its student body.
A school’s potential to serve as a healthy environment for living and learning is enhanced when the institution makes a concerted effort to continuously support the emotional health and well-being of its students and staff.
Spreading Awareness Across the Nation
Teachers and administrators can engage with their pupils to raise awareness of mental health issues until education on mental health becomes a required component in all schools. The importance of self-care and taking responsibility for one’s own mental health and wellness should be emphasised, along with the idea that mental health is an essential component of overall health and the notion that it is possible to recover from mental illness should also be brought to the forefront of the conversation. A learner with mental health needs more care to complete the GCSE.
Seek suggestions from children on how to create a welcoming, safe and comfortable classroom
Encourage children to participate in creating the classroom, a place that is warm, secure, and comfortable to be in. When doing so, be sure to comply with all of the school’s safety protocols and use all available resources.
Children are encouraged to make recommendations, contribute to the decoration of the classroom walls by writing messages that are brightly coloured and inviting, and work in small groups so that they may assist one another in catching up on their schoolwork.
Make it clear that showing support for one another is the best way for them to go through this challenge together. Keep in mind that youngsters should be commended for their contributions and efforts.
Teachers can cultivate emotions of safety and security in their students via interactions, the development of strong connections with each student, and the implementation of daily routines that assist children in feeling safe and secure.
Students can still be supported remotely
Some students may refuse to attend school due to their mental health. It is crucial to find a system that exceeds the mainstream educational setting and allows them to thrive in an environment they are comfortable with.
An online alternative provision, such as EDClass, could be the perfect solution to help support students with mental health needs. For a free online demonstration of the platform click the image below or click here.
Alternatively, you can call the EDClass team on 01909 568 338 or send an email to mail@edclass.com and your learners can be set up in a very short amount of time.
