End-of-the-year stress is common for many students. Students are about to leave a safe, secure environment for the unknown. They may feel stress and anxiety. Most students and teachers feel it’s a time to celebrate getting through a year of lessons, homework, and academia. Students feel stressed going from pre-k to K or middle/high school in another building.
Be Mindful of Stress
A student’s mental health is a focus throughout the school year. However, the adjustments to new classrooms, new teachers, and new routines cause stress for students. There are some ways to relieve stress from students.
- Stick to the same schedule o routine. The end of the year means a variety of activities. This may cause students to become anxious. Make activities part of the normal routine to keep give students a sense of calm.
- Keep students actively involved. Exercise and other physical activities relieve stress.
- Plan for summer activities. Students may need a list of what is available.
- Be mindful of a student’s stress. Provide support and have a discussion about their concerns.
End-of-Year Stress for Teachers
Students are not the only ones feeling stress. Teachers usually have a boatload of paperwork to complete before the school year ends. According to psychologist Jack Singer, Ph.D., “Stress isn’t so much about your situation as how you perceive it”. Dr. Singer is the author of The Teacher’s Ultimate Stress Master Guide.
- As crunch time for paperwork gets closer, let go of negative thoughts and replace them with rational thoughts and beliefs. Visualize success.
- Don’t overload students with busy work that needs to be checked or read.
- Prioritize the time by making a list.
- Find time to vent frustrations.
- Physical exercise is also good for teachers. Self-care is important.
- Make a list of all the good things that happened this year.
- Collaborate with peers and help each other. Connecting with others helps in staying aware of what is happening. Keeping in touch with friends keeps a person grounded.
- Breath, there are others in the same boat.
- Work only at school.
Adult stress leads to student stress and vice versa. A teacher’s short temper escalates situations. Let students know what is happening. Also, let students discuss their own concerns. Empathy is important.
As teachers keep emotions under control, prioritizing and dealing with situations will stay under control. Everyone needs to keep breathing.
