Students should feel safe in their classrooms.
Anxiety is the most common pediatric mental health concern around the world. As teachers, we have the opportunity to make spaces that reduce stressors for students who are easily worried and overwhelmed.
The way you design your classroom affects the way your students feel while they're there.
Create a classroom environment that decreases students' anxiety and increases feelings of safety.
Find a centralized space in your classroom to post your schedule for the day. This provides predictability for students. They will know what content areas and activities to expect throughout the day.
*The proper technology is required for this design strategy.
Use Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint to create a slideshow that provides direction for each part of the day. Project the slideshow for your students throughout the day. Your slides may include important announcements, directions for an assignment, or the expectations during independent work time. View the example to the right for more guidance.
Determine which classroom items your students use on a regular basis. Dedicate a space in your room where students can easily access these materials. Organize the supplies in a way that is easy and clear for students. This enables students to find the tools they need quickly and efficiently.
Play calming music, like "Lo-Fi" when students enter the classroom and during independent work time. Soothing music sets the tone for a mindful environment. Students may feel more present in the moment and less overwhelmed.
Find a small spot in your room where students can go when they need a quiet moment to themselves within the classroom. Students face many stressors throughout the day, and they may need to decompress alone to feel safe. This space should include a comfortable sitting area, like a cushion or chair. You may also provide visual aids, like cards or posters, that provide students with strategies they can use to de-escalate their hard feelings, fidget toys, and access to drawing materials and music.
