Student anxiety is one of the most common issues teachers face today. Though school is supposed to be a safe and engaging place for students to learn, explore interests, and connect with peers and educators, going to school can cause a great deal of worry and anxiety for many people. With this understanding, it is important to investigate how to help a child with anxiety in the classroom.
According to the Child Mind Institute, an organization working to help children with mental health and learning disorders, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents. So, it is critical that teachers think about how to reduce child anxiety in classrooms. Three steps teachers should consider when it comes to dealing with student anxiety in the classroom include the following:
- Brain Breaks
Taking mental “time-outs” can be very beneficial to students who suffer from anxiety at school. During these breaks, deep breathing and meditation are two things that can be done to keep students from becoming overwhelmed.
- Movement
Research shows aerobic exercise can help ease anxiety. Taking time to move during each school day is key. This is why recess and physical education is important for the youngest students, and exercising during the day for older students (even if it is just walking/biking from one class to another).
- Professional Help
Sometimes, coping mechanisms just don’t help. Some students with anxiety would benefit more from being referred to a school counselor or outside mental health professional.
BONUS: Assistance from a Tutor
After addressing the mental health aspect of anxiety for struggling students, another thing to consider is securing the services of a professional tutor to keep those students on track.
Having a private tutor can create a safe space for students with anxiety to navigate their academics while learning to manage their mental health. A private tutor can provide the individual attention and support that they need because effective tutoring programs help students with comprehension of academic information and help them build good study habits, as well as encourage greater self-confidence.
When it comes to helping a child with anxiety in the classroom, teachers have to use different tactics. The way child anxiety treatment in the classroom is handled will differ depending on the age/grade of the students in need, but every teacher should consider how to address the issue. The goal is to support every child with anxiety in the classroom so they all can succeed.
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