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The Stress Factor: Signs, Support, and Strategies for Student Anxiety

You might notice a student on edge, struggling to focus, or avoiding participation. Perhaps they're frequently absent or complain about headaches and stomachaches that seem to have no clear cause. These can all be red flags that anxiety is playing a role in their life.

Anxiety has become a frequent visitor in our classrooms. What can we do to help our students? First, we need to tune into these signals and approach them empathetically. Recognizing these signs can make a difference in how we support our students in and out of the classroom.

Create a Supportive Classroom Environment

Creating a safe and supportive classroom environment is one way to help your students manage their anxiety. Think of your classroom as a sanctuary, a place where students can find refuge from the stresses of their lives.

Let your students know it's okay to talk about their feelings, whether with you or another trusted adult. Consider incorporating regular check-ins, where students can share their feelings on a scale from 1 to 10. The act of asking, "How are you doing today?" can be powerful.

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Once you've created a supportive environment, introduce strategies to help your students manage their anxiety:

Introduce a Self-Regulation Station

Set up a self-regulation station in your classroom. This is a designated area where students can practice or use self-regulation techniques. Equip the area with visual aids that guide students through deep breathing exercises, a mirror to view their face, and calming music or nature sounds.

Breathing Exercises

Simple breathing exercises, like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise, can help students anchor themselves in the present. Have your students focus on five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste.

Personal Coping Toolkit

Help your students develop a toolkit of coping skills. Encourage them to identify what helps them feel calm—drawing, listening to music, or taking a short walk. As part of your self-regulation station, stock sensory tools like stress balls, fidget toys, or coloring books.

School Organizational Skills

Organizational skills can also reduce anxiety, especially when it comes to academic pressures. Teach your students to break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Provide them with planners or checklists to keep track of their work. When students feel more in control of their workload, they're less likely to feel anxious.

Picture Books to Share with the Class

Reading picture books that address anxiety can be a comforting and effective way to discuss feelings with your students. Here are a few titles to consider:

  • Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook humorously tackles anxiety and provides kids with tools to manage their worries.

  • The Invisible String by Patrice Karst reassures children that they are always connected to those they love, even when they feel anxious or alone.

  • I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde encourages children to explore mindfulness, helping them to calm their minds and focus on the present.

  • Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival follows a young girl who learns that sharing her worries with others can make them feel smaller and less frightening.

Activities and Aids

Incorporating activities that promote emotional well-being into your curriculum can help your students regulate their anxieties. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Feelings Journals: Provide each student with a journal where they can write or draw about their emotions. This activity helps students process their feelings and gives them insight into what might be troubling them.

  2. Classroom Discussions on Stress: Hold a classroom discussion about stress and anxiety, normalize these feelings, and discuss healthy coping methods. You could even invite a counselor or mental health professional to lead the discussion.

  3. Mindful Moments: Dedicate a few minutes each day to a mindfulness activity. This could be a short guided meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a moment of silence where students can relax and center themselves.

  4. Stress-Relief Crafts: Assign art projects that focus on stress relief, such as creating worry stones, stress balls, or calming jars filled with glitter and water. These crafts give students a tangible tool to help manage their anxiety.

Your Role in Combating Student Anxiety

You're on the front lines to identify and support students with anxiety. Even small changes can have a big impact. Whether it's taking a moment to listen, offering a kind word, or introducing a new coping technique, you have the power to make your classroom a place where anxiety doesn't stand a chance.

Written by Brooke Lektorich

Education World Contributor

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