This post originally appeared on our ParentSquare Learning Network blog on January 24, 2020.
Curated by Kaylin Smith at ParentSquare
If a child falls on the playground and injures themselves, the solution is usually pretty straightforward. We help them up, ask if they’re okay, give them a hug, or take them to the doctor if the injury is more serious.
But when a child is experiencing mental health issues, the fix isn’t quite as simple as a band-aid or an extra treat at lunch.
Now more than ever, students are faced with immense pressure to succeed in a competitive environment. With social pressures, family obligations, school activities, and extracurriculars, stress for students is almost inevitable — providing them with a comforting environment to receive proper support is essential to their success!
In order to help you best support your students’ mental health, we’ve compiled tips shared by educators in our ParentSquare Learning Network Twitter Chat on January 15th moderated by Laura Steinbrink (@SteinbrinkLaura). People joined in with the hashtag #PSquareLN.
To view the full chat, click here.
Question 1: How Can Parents and Teachers Work Together To Support Stressed Students?
“Teachers and parents must build positive and supportive relationships in order to benefit these kids!” — Stacy Benton, @sbentonteach
“Communication is the key! Whether through emails, texts, meetings or @ParentSquare: parents and teachers need to keep in touch about what is happening at home and school. Then come up with solutions together to help the student.” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
“Ask pertinent questions about triggers, issues, and episodes. Find different supports to Ss: stress putty, jars filled with glitter and water, etc. Build relationships, so you know how the S will react with triggers.” — Gretchen Dorn, @gdorn1
“Open door policy & having that family culture! Working together in listening, communicating & having a toolbox of strategies! #bettertogether” — Melisa Hayes, @hayes_melisa
“Communication is a must. There needs to be an open dialogue free of judgment and fear between the two groups. Easier said than done, especially in some communities and with some groups of students who have been deemed ‘bad’ or ‘too much to handle’” — Bill Huber, @Bill_Huber_
Question 2: When Students Are Struggling To Focus on Their Academics Due To Anxiety or Stress, What Strategies Can We Implement That Can Work at Home and at School?
“Time, patience, and empathy. It’s important to have that strong connection so you can have dialogue and discuss the roots of anxiety and coping strategies” — Dustin, M.Ed, @DustinPearson2
“Be positive and uplifting when speaking to these students, implement strong communication with parents/guardians, be willing to extend deadlines and set obtainable goals to minimize stress and anxiety.” — Denise C, @DenisecWright
“Brain breaks/dance breaks, listening, empathy is also HUGE – my school also has a sensory room which I wrote grant for – some items have been beneficial & also shared items with parents that have worked” — Melisa Hayes, @hayes_melisa
Resource: Check out these 23 Ways to Create a Sensory Friendly Classroom!
“Fave strategy to help Ss w/ anxiety or stress focused on academics is to have Ss create a list of upcoming assignments, tests & projects. I then have them prioritize the list, & as they complete items, they check them or mark them off. Helps combat feeling overwhelmed.” — Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura
“We can stop penalizing students – threatening grade drops, detention, etc doesn’t help stress level. Instead, let’s help them build the exec functioning skills needed to thrive.” — Laura Spencer, @LSpencerEdD
“Here’s something else to ponder: NY Times collected over 300 responses from HS students to the question of how to improve levels of student achievement. #1? Put less pressure on students. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-how-to-improve-american-education.html” — Laura Spencer, @LSpencerEdD
Tim Riley (@timlriley) and John Miller (@mexusxm) discussed this Edutopia article about meditation.
Question 3: What Are the Best Ways for Teachers To Approach Parents About Their Student’s Anxiety?
“Build those relationships early. The more everyone can trust each other the better the support from all involved parties” — Lisa Toebben, @teach_n_boots
“We need to build relationships on day 1. Reach out to parents right away. Parents need to know you are aware of the students anxiety and listen to how they deal with anxiety. They may be able to help” — Linda Edwards, @LindaEdwardsi
“First establish a positive relationship with the family in the beginning. Then stay connected through sharing pictures, messages, and notes. Then Ps are more willing to listen when you talk to them. Ask what they notice? What do they do to help their child?” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
“Letting them know you are seeing some behaviors that are interfering with their child’s healthy development and ask if they are seeing similar things at home. Are there patterns regarding triggers, techniques that can reduce the stress/anxiety?” — John Miller, @mexusmx
“Relationships, relationships, relationships – these are their babies & if it was your baby u would only want the best & that’s what our kids deserve THE BEST ❤️” — Melisa Hayes, @hayes_melisa
Question 4: Gratitude Has Proven To Help Reduce Anxiety by Helping Us Focus on the Positives Instead of the Negatives. What Gratitude Activities Can We Promote Among Families?
“Sending thank you notes to parents, students, & colleagues is a simple but touching action!” — Melody McAllister, @mjmcalli
“In my class we share great qualities about ourselves, eachother, list something we accomplished. We really use the time to be nice to ourselves and develop that mindset!” — Dustin, M.Ed, @DustinPearson2
“Each fam should see what works for them, but some ways to practice gratitude at home are:
*Everyone states 1 thing at dinner they are grateful for.
*Gratitude in challenges: If a family member faces a challenge, they find something in it to be thankful for.” — Laura Steinbrink, @SteinbrinkLaura
“My kids have a gratitude journal and they will discuss and show their parents during student led conferences.” — Melisa Hayes, @hayes_melisa
“Having Ss and Ts make cards for Ps (ex. than you, positive notes). Also inviting Ps to the classroom to celebrate what their child is doing.” — Amy Moran, @amoran4
Last but Not Least, Be Positive, and Remember To Show Kindness 💚
@LHBLovesEdu shared this resource!
Here is another resource: GoNoodle
With the help of educators and parents, we can work to create supportive learning environments for our students! Thanks so much to those who participated in this week’s Twitter Chat.
