Promoting mental health in the school setting
On this page you will learn about
- Principles for interacting with adolescents with emotional challenges (e.g., anxious, sad, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem)
- Key components of effective classroom management
Improve your communication
If you want to improve your communication with your student, check out the eSano module "Effective Communication Strategies for Teachers".
If you want inspiration on how to create an easy, fun and vivid discussion about emotional topics and challenges with your students, check out the "Introduction to the tutoring sessions for teachers" on eSano.
If you want to create engaging and empowering physical education lessons that motivate your students and enhance their physical well-being, check out the eSano module "Empowering Physical Education Lessons".
Improve your communication
1. Listen Actively
Provide a safe, private space for the student to talk.
Listen without interrupting and show empathy; e.g., keeping eye contact, the upper body turning toward the student, a friendly smile and nodding during the conversation shows the student interest and that he or she is taken serious.
Acknowledge their feelings and validate their experience.
2. Express Concern and Support
Let the student know you care and are there to support them.
Sending I-messages: It is less confrontative and more sensible if the student is addressed with “I have the feeling that you have changed over the last time” rather than “You have changed”.
Use reassuring language, such as, “I’m really glad you told me about this,” or “It sounds like you’re going through a tough time.”
Relieve pressure: To tell the student that he or she is not the first one who is in such a situation, that he or she is not the only one can relieve pressure for the student and show a new perspective.
3. Gauge Severity
- Determine if the student is in immediate danger (e.g., thoughts of self-harm or harm to others). If there is a risk of harm, seek immediate help from school counsellors or administrators and activate the adequate protocol of action.
4. Refer to School Counsellor
Encourage the student to speak with the school counsellor/mental health professional in the health-care system for professional support.
Offer to accompany the student to the counsellor if they feel nervous or unsure
5. Involve Parents or Guardians
Encourage the student to speak with the school counsellor/mental health professional in the health-care system for professional support.
With the student’s consent, inform parents or guardians about the situation. Parental support can be crucial in addressing emotional challenges.
Offer to accompany the student to the counsellor if they feel nervous or unsure
6. Follow Up
Check in with the student regularly to see how they are doing.
Provide consistent support and be a reliable presence in their school life.
7. De-stigmatise emotional problems
- Breaking the silence and thematize mental health can help destigmatizing. Show that talking about emotional problems & mental health problems is normal.
8. Developing solution steps
- Sometimes students with mental health problems are stressed because they can’t keep up with homework or the school lessons. It can be helpful to agree on priorities and goals and to make clear that health is most important. It can also help to identify positive and negative consequences.
9. Limits
- A teacher is not a therapist. It is important to have clear limits. It can be useful to recommend professional help.
10. Encourage healthy coping strategies
Remind them that the IMPROVA platform offers a series of resources for them to cope with challenges
Suggest activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as activities with friends, journaling, or physical activity.
Provide resources or suggest school-based programs that focus on mental health and wellness.
11. Seek training
Participate in professional development opportunities related to adolescent mental health to better understand and support students.
Stay informed about the signs of various emotional challenges and effective intervention strategies.
12. Work with School Staff
Collaborate with school psychologists, social workers, and other relevant staff to develop a comprehensive support plan for the student.
Attend meetings or case conferences to stay updated on the student’s progress and needs.
Key components of effective classroom management
1. Behavioral Expectations
Behavioral expectations are essential for fostering positive behavior in the classroom. When expectations are clear and visible, students are more likely to meet them. Examples of behavioral expectations include being punctual and putting forth one’s best effort in all tasks.
Clear behavioral expectations help to minimize interruptions and maximize instructional time. They also contribute to creating a respectful and positive classroom environment. It’s important to review and revise these expectations periodically to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
To achieve these behavioral expectations, it is beneficial to establish and enforce classroom rules.
2. Classroom rules
Why are classroom rules important?
Classroom rules are crucial because they outline the behavioral expectations for students from the start. This helps students understand what they can do to be successful and how their behavior will be assessed. Effective rules focus on promoting positive behavior, allowing for more opportunities to reinforce and encourage such behavior.
How to make the rules
Involving Students in Rule Creation
To develop effective classroom rules that align with behavioural expectations, involve the students in the process. Encourage them to brainstorm which rules are needed to meet the expectations. Collaborating on rule creation fosters greater commitment and a positive attitude towards the rules.
Establishing Initial Expectations and Rules
Start with 3-5 key behavioural expectations. For each expectation, create 1-3 specific rules. This manageable number ensures clarity and focus at the beginning.
Characteristics of Effective Rules
Displaying the Rules
Once the rules are created, add visuals to enhance understanding and memory. Display the rules prominently in the classroom where all students can easily see them.
3. Classroom routines
Classroom routines guide recurring events and procedures, creating a stable framework for the class. Examples include how students should request to use the restroom during a lesson or what steps to follow if they have a question.
Benefits of Classroom Routines
Saving Time: Efficient routines streamline classroom operations.
Reducing Interruptions: Clear procedures minimize disruptions.
Ensuring Smooth Operations: Routines facilitate the seamless flow of activities.
Enhancing Predictability: Consistent routines provide a sense of order and predictability.
Focusing on Positive Reinforcement: More classroom time can be devoted to positive behaviors and learning.
Encouraging Independence: Routines help students learn to manage tasks on their own, increasing their independence.
Reviewing and Revising Routines:
Just like behavioural expectations and classroom rules, routines should be periodically reviewed and revised as needed to remain effective and relevant.
4. Self-reflection
Benefits of Self-Reflection
Improvement of Practices: Reflecting on what works and what doesn’t helps refine teaching methods and classroom management.
Increased Awareness: Helps teachers become more aware of their strengths and areas for improvement.
Professional Growth: Continuous self-assessment promotes ongoing professional development.
Strategies for Effective Self-Reflection
1. Regular Reflection
- Set aside time regularly to reflect on your teaching practices and classroom management.
2. Use of Coaching
- Engage with a coach to gain new perspectives and constructive feedback.
3. Collaborative Evaluation
- Discuss and evaluate your practices with colleagues or the school leader to gain insights and share strategies.
4. Goal Setting
- Set specific goals based on your reflections and work towards achieving them.
By incorporating self-reflection into their routine, teachers can continuously improve their effectiveness and create a more positive and productive classroom environment.