Supporting Students' Mental Well-Being in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers

We all know that student mental wellness is a huge concern these days. Many of you have probably noticed that student stress and anxiety are some of the biggest challenges affecting their mental well-being. No matter the age, students deal with stress and anxiety. While the reasons behind their struggles might differ, the signs often look pretty similar. Think headaches, stomachaches, or just not being able to focus on schoolwork.

This blog post is all about sharing some practical strategies teachers can use to tackle student stress and anxiety head-on. Plus, we’ll dive into how PiQ’s Wellness Project can be a game-changer in supporting your efforts.

Stress & Anxiety’s Impact on Learning

The reality is when students are stressed or anxious, it impacts their ability to learn. They might find it hard to focus on lessons, shy away from joining class discussions, or struggle to finish assignments. In some cases, anxiety can even lead to skipping school altogether.

What to Look For

Teachers are often some of the first people to notice changes in students’ mental health. Because you’re with them day in and day out, you can spot when something’s off. Keep an eye out for these common signs of stress and anxiety:

• Decreased attendance
• Decreased participation in group or class discussions
• Difficulty concentrating or following instructions
• More fidgeting or restlessness
• Irritability or emotional outbursts
• Trouble finishing assignments
• Poor performance on tests and quizzes
• A sudden drop in overall academic performance

If you see a student struggling, it's a good idea to chat with the student, their parents/guardians, or a school counselor to figure out if stress or anxiety might be the cause. Catching it early can make a world of difference for both you and the student!

What You Can Do

Here are some simple steps you can take to create a classroom that reduces student stress and anxiety:

• Create a Calm and Predictable Classroom Environment: Set up routines and clear expectations for behaviour and assignments. Give students a quiet space in the classroom where they can decompress if they need to.

Tip: The Wellness Project student planners are awesome for setting up routines. Having students jot down homework at the end of each class helps them know what to do and by when. It’s also a great way to teach them how to tackle big assignments by breaking them down into smaller, doable steps.

• Mindfulness, Relaxation Techniques, and Coping Strategies: Try adding quick mindfulness exercises or breathing techniques into the school day. Give students some tools they can use when they’re feeling stressed or anxious.

Tip: The Wellness Project student planners, activity book, and self-discovery workbook offer tons of chances for students to learn and practice stress-reducing techniques and boost their mental wellness.

• Social-Emotional Learning Activities: Bring in activities that help students recognize and express their feelings, develop healthy coping skills, and improve their social skills.

Tip: The Wellness Project planners, activity book, and self-discovery workbook are packed with social-emotional learning themes and activities. They help students build emotional intelligence and form habits that boost their overall well-being.

• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate the wins! Acknowledge and praise students’ efforts and good behaviours. This helps create a more positive and supportive vibe in the classroom.

Tip: The family communication feature in the Wellness Project student planners is a cool way to share the good stuff with families. A quick note of praise can brighten everyone’s day and boost students’ confidence.

• Open Communication: Let students know it’s okay to feel stressed or anxious, and that you’re there to support them. Talking about their stressors can help them identify triggers and learn to cope.

Tip: Using Wellness Project materials in the classroom makes it easier to talk about mental health. The planners, activity book, and self-discovery workbook cover important mental health topics and offer great opportunities for class discussions and reflection.

One More Idea!

• Create a Mental Health Resources Board: Share info about local mental health services, community groups, and hotlines students can turn to for support.

Did You Know? PiQ Potential has teamed up with Kids Help Phone, Canada's go-to 24/7 mental health service, to offer even more support for students. Our planners come with a FREE Kids Help Phone back cover, and we also offer Kids Help Phone school décor options to make sure students have plenty of ways to get the support they need.

Remember, you don't have to be a mental health expert to support your students. By creating a safe and supportive space and offering resources, you can make a real difference in their well-being!

If you’re curious about The Wellness Project products to support students’ well-being or want to learn more about PiQ’s partnership with Kids Help Phone, check out this section.