By India Foster, Communications Strategist, School Mental Health Initiative, New England Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Many students may experience excitement and anxiety as the new school year begins. While it's normal to feel a bit nervous, for some, this anxiety can be overwhelming. It could stem from many things, like the fear of the unknown, academic worries, or social pressures. Back-to-school anxiety can affect a student's well-being and ability to succeed, and it may cause a need for help from teachers in the classroom or parents at home. This type of anxiety can present itself in various ways, such as physical symptoms like headaches or difficulty sleeping, changes in behavior, and social anxieties. It's vital to recognize these signs to provide appropriate support.
Here are some strategies teachers and parents can use to help students manage these feelings and start the school year positively:
Strategies for Teachers
Create a Welcoming Classroom
A warm and inviting environment helps reduce anxiety. Personalize the classroom, greet students by name, have some fun icebreakers, and make the space organized and accessible.
Open Lines of Communication
Please encourage students to share their concerns. This can be done through regular check-ins and one-on-one conversations; tools like journaling can help students express their feelings.
Normalize Anxiety
Many students these days are experiencing anxiety. It's important to let students know that feeling anxious is normal. Encourage sharing stories, openly discussing emotions, and offering reassurance that anxiety can be managed.
Teach Coping Strategies
Introduce techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and time management to help students handle anxiety.
Foster Social Connections
Encourage social interaction through icebreakers, group work, and extracurricular activities to reduce feelings of isolation.
Tips for Parents
Talk About Their Fears
Encourage open conversations about school-related worries. Listen without judgment and validate your child's feelings.
Establish a Routine
Start the school routine a week before school begins, including regular bedtimes and morning checklists.
Encourage Positive Thinking
Help your child focus on the positive aspects of returning to school, like seeing friends and learning new things.
Stay Involved
Be engaged in your child's school life by regularly attending meetings, volunteering, and speaking to teachers.
Seek Help if Needed
If anxiety is severe, consider reaching out to a school counselor or mental health professional.
Back-to-school anxiety is common, but with the right support, students can effectively manage it. Creating a nurturing environment, promoting communication, and teaching coping strategies can help students start the school year confidently.
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