8 Ways Teachers Can Support Students Holistically to Have a Voice
In education, nurturing students’ mental well-being alongside academic success is crucial. Teachers play a pivotal role in fostering holistic development in children and adolescents.
The government has recognised the importance of supporting students in school who are struggling with mental health challenges and is funding mental health leads for schools. It has also published eight key principles to support schools in improving how they help pupil well-being.
Here, we delve into the crucial role of mental health support in schools and explore methodologies to empower children to articulate their concerns about well-being.
1. Establishing a Supportive Atmosphere
The mental well-being of children is an integral aspect of their overall development. Within the school environment, various issues, such as academic stress, social interactions, and personal hurdles, can significantly influence a student’s mental health.
Hence, it is imperative to cultivate an atmosphere where young people feel comfortable expressing their emotions and opinions.
Fostering open channels of communication in the classroom is paramount. Teachers can facilitate discussions during class sessions or encourage students to express themselves in writing.
This approach not only enables educators to understand students’ perspectives better but also instils in children the importance of their voices.
2. Empowering Students
Providing avenues for students to engage in their mental well-being proactively is crucial. Implement initiatives that promote self-reflection and self-expression, such as journaling, artistic endeavours, or mindfulness practices.
Equipping children with these tools enables them to comprehend and navigate their mental health with greater efficacy.
3. Promote Peer Support
Peer connections wield considerable influence in a child’s journey. Advocate for cultivating constructive friendships and relationships while educating students on the significance of mutual support.
Introduce peer mentoring initiatives or buddy schemes wherein older students can offer guidance and assistance to their younger peers, nurturing a culture of solidarity and empathy.
4. Words Matter
The language we employ holds significant sway over a student’s mental well-being.
Exercise mindfulness in your speech, consistently aiming for positivity and encouragement. It’s crucial to steer clear of stigmatising terms, fostering an environment where students feel safe discussing mental health without apprehension of judgment.
5. Incorporate Mindfulness Techniques
Integrate brief mindfulness practices into the daily routine. This may involve time for reflection, simple breathing exercises, or guided relaxation sessions.
These approaches not only foster a positive atmosphere but also provide students with resources to cope with stress and improve their mental well-being.
6. Embrace Adaptability
Recognise the necessity of adjusting teaching approaches to accommodate individual student needs, acknowledging the variability of mental health among learners.
Embracing flexibility signals to students that the classroom is a supportive environment where emotions are valued, laying the groundwork for open dialogue and reinforcing the importance of expressing one’s feelings.
7. Promote Student Input
Actively solicit feedback from students regarding their feelings about school and overall well-being. Not only does this provide insight into the classroom atmosphere, but it also helps identify individuals who may be suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Consider anonymous surveys tailored to students’ ages to mitigate apprehension and foster honesty. By valuing their perspectives, you empower students to voice their opinions on what contributes to a positive and mentally healthy classroom environment.
8. Facilitate Open Communication
Maintain transparent communication channels among teachers, parents, pastoral staff and school leadership teams to establish a robust support network for students grappling with mental health challenges.
A collaborative strategy ensures that all stakeholders are aware of a child’s struggles, fostering unity in providing necessary assistance.
Building openness demonstrates a shared commitment to the child’s well-being and encourages them to openly discuss their emotions with educators and parents, creating a comprehensive support network encompassing home and school environments.
Why Giving Students a Voice Can Improve Mental Health Outcomes in Schools
Schools wield considerable influence over their students. By highlighting mental health, fostering inclusivity, and empowering students to engage in discussions about their well-being, you contribute to ensuring academic achievement and overall personal development.