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Anxiety is a normal, human feeling of fear or panic. When we face stressful situations, it can set off our brain’s in-built alarm bell system, which tells us something isn’t right and that we need to deal with it. Our brain wants the difficult situation to go away, so it makes us feel more alert, stops us thinking about other things, and even pumps more blood to our legs to help us run away.
Students typically have difficulties with:
Lack confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges
Find it hard to concentrate
Have problems with sleeping or eating
Have angry outbursts
Have a lot of negative thoughts, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen
Start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to school
Teaching Strategies
Agree a calm area or safe haven
FIdget toys
Short, chunked tasks
Rest breaks
Opportunities to move around where possible
Short simple instructions and language
Set a task as soon as they enter the room
Four positive comments to one negative
Use signals for when a pupil becomes agitated
Planned reward system
Relaxation strategies
Clear and consistent routines
Calm but firm and fair approach
Praise often
Use humour to settle
A range of opportunities for social and emotional development e.g. buddy systems, friendship strategies, circle time
Time out systems within the classroom
Legitimise movement - pupil to go on message, collect item etc.
Supportive peer systems
Calming strategies
Clear communication with parent/carer
Personalise teaching where possible to incorporate the pupils’ interests
Restorative practices used consistently – allow pupils opportunity to explain actions
Allow pupils time to regulate - speak to them once they are in the right frame of mind to do so
Examples of Resources and Classroom-Based Provision
Home/School diary/ Communication Log
Daily routines
Media - e.g. books, films, music - that will help them to understand their feelings
Practise simple relaxation techniques: taking 3 deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of 3 and out for 3
"Worry box": Write about or draw their worries and "post" them into the box. Then you can sort through the box together at the end of the day or week
Journal to track emotions, stress, triggers, etc.
Further Reading
Tips-for-Teachers-Anxiety-fact-sheet.pdfchildmind.org-Teachers Guide to Anxiety.pdfUseful websites
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References:
Pearson 5 strategies for supporting SEN children in your classroom: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15znzFEcH1S41PK1TW9ewJ_DNpb8m-Xr6QCIP6_KR6EE/edit?usp=sharing
St Martin's Areas of need QFT checklist: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16SamvYGDzL7eCB7229gGY0IjCqlrKXxiXtcu1bVlv-M/edit?usp=sharing
St Martin's QFT - Universal Provision: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lx4pRBu6vq1-eUj19J0fof4u40X9mHOFD30fX3S00og/edit?usp=sharing
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust: NHS Videos - Relaxation - Breathing Techniques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqfrbGtorBE
NHS: Anxiety in children: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/
Young Minds: Living With Anxiety - YoungMinds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mprhqMRz5PU
Young Minds: Anxiety: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/anxiety/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Mental Health Minute: Stress and Anxiety in Adolescents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr4N-SdekqY
Nip in the Bud: Tips for Teachers - Anxiety: https://nipinthebud.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Tips-for-Teachers-Anxiety-fact-sheet.pdf
Nip in the Bud: Anxiety in children: Tips For Teachers : Nip in the Bud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrVTmmQNDmE
Child Mind Institute: Teacher's Guide to Anxiety: https://childmind.org/guide/teachers-guide-to-anxiety-in-the-classroom/
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