Student stress levels are increasing. They face more stress and anxiety than previous generations of their peers. From kindergarten through 12th grade, students are engaged from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. They have more responsibilities than students a generation ago. These include navigating bus or carpool schedules, taking daily tests and quizzes, managing social time, completing homework, and participating in after-school activities.
Student Stress: Good or Bad
Relieving Stress
The classroom environment is important for studens to feel safe and calm. It should be welcoming and caring.
- Emotional awareness is important to students. Sudents want teachers to listen and care about their feelings and concerns.
- Mindfulness heps students reduce stress. Students that pactice mindefunesss lower their stress and are able to focus on lessons.
- Regular breaks and movement during the day reduces tension. It helps students to process information and regain focus.
- Team work reduces individual stress with assignments. Social connections help with academic success.
- Clear procedres and instructions eleviate student stress.
- Teach time-management skills. This helps students from becoming overwhelmed.
- Flexible deadlines are helpful for over-stressed or language impaired students.
- Stressed students may need peer support to learn from other’s experiences.
Teachers play a major part in maintaining a healthy classroom so students can learn and achieve. They also guide students away from excessive stress. Avoidance or ignoring students that show signs of stress is not helpful. Teachers need to promote healthy peer relationships and connect with school professionals when needed. Never assume the stress-based behaviors go away, anything can re-trigger them.
Maintain a routine in the classroom to avoid stress. Most classrooms are a constant in the life of many students. Make sure students know how and when to ask for help or when they need a break. This provides for a safe and relaxed classroom climate.
