Getting through the school day is a tough task for many children. Here are some suggestions to ease their discomfort

Priyanka Gupta

How we feel affects how we perform or learn. Our thoughts and experiences influence our actions. Have you noticed that how your students feel has a profound effect on the learning that occurs within your classroom?

We all have come across students who work hard and are focused but unable to achieve the results they desire. Similarly, we know students who are able to get good results even with the least effort. What exactly is the difference between these two students? Both kinds are working towards their goal as per their needs and pace. Can we blame it on stress? I think so.

Just like learning needs, every student has a different capacity to deal with stress. Specifically, children who are anxious about their learning, their abilities, homework, assignments, almost everything, will have higher than desirable levels of cortisol. It is the hormone that is associated with stress level.

The notion of “stress” is very broad and most times parents and educators are unaware of the reasons for the stress. It is very difficult to have a complete understanding of your students’ emotional state but you do have a role to play in how you can make your students feel.

The pointers here are about how teachers can include some stress-busting activities or make use of tips and tricks that will make learning in the classroom easier.

Creative classrooms

Anything that allows students to be creative can be a stress-buster for them. It is important that you set up your classroom in a way that promotes de-stressing. Clutter causes stress, keeping things organised has a calming effect. Clean out the space in your classroom. Spaces that look busy and occupied usually distract students. It’s great to decorate and display students’ work in class but avoid overdoing it.

The second thing that you can consider is allowing “movement”. For some students it is not possible to stay still, especially if they are stressed. Teachers have achieved success experimenting with exercise balls instead of seats, or fidget toys. You don’t have to make it a part of your classroom but this can be done once in a while. Or you can speak with the authorities to have separate rooms with such settings
where students can take a class or two as per availability.

The final thing that contributes to the perfect creative space is reduction of bad noise. Noise is inevitable in schools filled with children but cacophony is disturbing. There are a lot of students who cannot function in the presence of such noise. The discipline department can make rules that keep a check on it. You can also practise rhythmic exercises to keep students in tune with their mind and let their creativity flow.

Breathing and Visualisation

Using guided imagery is an effective way to reduce stress and avoid chaos. Guiding students to imagine calm scenarios and asking them to practise visualisation can help detach them from the stressors. Breathing exercises also work to a great extent. Teachers can practise this just at the beginning of a class. All you need to do is practise 10 deep breaths before class.

Eating well, sleeping well

Speak to students about healthy eating habits and the importance of sleep. Improving their diet can keep students away from experiencing food-related moods swings, stress, light-headedness and more. Also, ask your students to work around their sleep schedule and set a bedtime. If you can convince them to practise this, they will reap the benefits which will reflect in their learning and productivity.

Growth mindset, and healthy self talk

Optimism is a great thing. Teach students about how positive thinking helps them to create better circumstances for themselves. The habit of optimism can bring about better health, better relations and better grades as well. Positive self-talk can help students with low self-esteem and is very important to feel better. Tell them about all the good things they can do to feel better. Make some time to discuss things that can help them get better in their space and help them develop a growth mind-set.

Lastly, teachers need to be concerned not only with how their expectations and behaviour are
affecting students but also on curbing the effects of outside stresses which may be hindering the students’ classroom success. This can include discussing their changing behaviour with parents or noting anything unusual with the student, acknowledging it and taking it seriously instead of letting it go by.