“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Educators are often the first to notice mental health concerns that may be exhibited by students. Incorporating instructional strategies and practices that could help students reach their full potential is the goal. Every person is different and unique. As mental health challenges are impacting our children, youth, and young adults, it is important to remember that there are varying degrees of symptoms.
Two of the leading mental health challenges in the classroom are anxiety and depression. Honestly, who hasn’t faced some type of anxiety or depression in their lifetime? A certain amount of anxiety and depression are normal, but when the level of anxiety and depression starts to interfere with life, then, it’s time to confront it head-on.
Let’s face it, students who deal with anxiety may become easily frustrated, which could cause them to experience difficulty completing assignments. Or, they may refuse to begin an assignment out of fear of failure. So, what is a teacher to do? In many situations, incorporating some classroom strategies may help students feel more in control.
What are Classroom Strategies?
Strategies provide different ways for students to take in information or communicate their knowledge back to the teacher. Strategies do not alter the standards or expectations for the curriculum covered or material to be tested. Neither do they change the measurement of work completed. All students are expected to meet all the standards. NAD REACH Website
Here are some strategies to help children/students dealing with anxiety:
- Model calmness and self-control.
- Allow flexible deadlines when they find a particular assignment difficult.
- Don’t overschedule.
- Encourage accountability without promoting stress and discomfort.
- Help children/students to feel like they have some control over their environment.
- Limit homework overload. Teachers can work together as a team to avoid piling on too much homework on the same nights or scheduling tests on the same day.
- Post daily class schedule so students can know what to expect.
- Make sure assignment instructions are written down correctly.
- Encourage exercise to help alleviate some anxiousness.
- Play quiet classical music in the background.
- Consider flexible seating.
- Create a quiet, serene corner by adding a beanbag chair, relaxing pictures, and positive sayings.
- Schedule time for students to organize their desks, backpacks, or lockers.
Here are some strategies to help children/students dealing with depression:
- Schedule time for movement and deep breathing.
- Help students set realistic goals.
- Break tasks into manageable chunks.
- Provide step-by-step instructions and be flexible with your expectations.
- Reassure students that they can catch up if they fall behind.
- Provide small group activities for discussion.
- Encourage exercise to help alleviate some anxiousness.
- Be sensitive to students’ feelings. Do not say “you will get over it.”
- When students talk to you about their depression, ask questions to help understand how they feel and what they are experiencing.
- Include social-emotional information on depression in your lesson plans.
Here are some strategies to help children/students who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD: (Early Childhood through Elementary)
- Model calmness and self-control.
- Give concise 1-2 step instructions.
- Introduce the most difficult academic subjects and assignments when they are most alert and engaged.
- Give breaks when needed.
- Limit distractions in the classroom, such as excessive noise or visual clutter, as much as possible.
- Be consistent with rules and have students repeat the rules every day as part of your morning routine.
- Provide feedback about how they are doing, including their behavior.
- Encourage exercise to help alleviate some anxiousness.
- Create a Measurable Action Plan (MAP) to make necessary modifications. (All reasonable strategies should be exhausted before resorting to modifications.) Difference Between Strategies and Modification, REACH Website
Here are some strategies to help students who are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD: (High School through College)
- Encourage students to start their day on time by setting an alarm clock to music.
- Encourage students to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night (The American Academy of Pediatrics advises children ages 6-12 get a minimum of 9-12 hours of sleep per night, with 8-10 hours recommended for teens).
- Encourage students to get ready for school the night before.
- Encourage students to schedule deep breathing exercises throughout the day.
- Encourage students to try standing up while reading.
- Encourage students to read out loud.
- Encourage students to schedule their study time and add a reminder to their phone calendar.
- Encourage students to prioritize.
- Encourage students to work with a study buddy.
- Encourage students to highlight text with different colors.
Visit our North American Division REACH (Reaching to Educate ALL Children for Heaven) website for additional classroom strategies and assistance on creating a MAP.
Deep Breathing for All
Deep breathing exercises can relieve stress and anxiety. Incorporate several deep breathing exercises for all students throughout the day. Teach students that they can reduce anxiety by breathing during a test. The increased oxygen flow to the brain will help students think more clearly.
Resources
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These resource links are being provided for informational purposes only. The North American Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
