Minimising Anxiety In The Classroom

Children have many worries and anxieties they bring to school each day. As teachers, we then have to prepare then as best we can so they can reset, focus and concentrate in order to be ready to learn.

So how do we as teachers minimise anxiety and create a calm and settled atmosphere in the classroom;

• Routine is important. Try to stick to regular time, regular traditions and routines set up in your class

• Encourage anxious children to get to school early so have time earlier in the classroom or outside with their friends not rushing in as the bell goes.

• Incorporate some yoga in class, mindful breathing exercises, mindfulness activities – colouring, what can you see?

• Burn an aroma diffuser with lavender essential oil - if your school allows it

• Incorporate some greenery in the classroom

• Grow Your Mind website has great lessons and meditation scripts.

• Keep the student’s noise and outdoor noise (where possible) to a minimum - set the expectation that students work independently on ‘red-light’ - no speaking.

• Play meditative music while students are working – classical or ambient study music for kids

• Have a calming corner – cushions, teddy or toy, notepaper, mindful toys

• Use Class Dojo which is a great resource with yoga, meditations, music, and timers.

• Go Noodle also has great yoga instruction and mindfulness activities to follow online

• Apps you could use in class include Smiling Mind or What’s Up?

• Use Dr 0’Moores 5,4,3,2,1 Technique of using your senses with your students when they are overwhelmed. What are 5 things you can see? 4 things you can feel? 3 things you can hear? 2 things you can smell? 1 thing you can taste?

For further support, read another of my blog posts; Strategies For The Anxious Child

As a teacher is there anything you do in your classroom to support your anxious, overthinking, worry types students? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.