August 8, 2022

Five ways to promote mental health awareness in the classroom

As we begin the new school year, it is the perfect time to think about how we, as teachers, can promote mental health awareness in the classroom. It is, without a doubt, one of the most relevant issues we face today. When our students enter the classroom, their well-being becomes our responsibility. We would like to share some ideas on promoting mental health awareness and providing students with outlets, methods and resources to empower them.

1. Open, honest discourse is the most effective way to decompress sensitive topics concerning mental health. Students need to know that it is healthy and okay to open up and confide in their teachers and peers. We can do this by utilizing resources that shed light on the subject in ways that encourage empathy, understanding and proactivity. Activities such as prompts for discussions/debates, anonymous questionnaires and research/writing assignments empower students to think critically and voice their thoughts, opinions and experiences. For mental health resources for the middle and high school classroom, click here.

2. Reserve a day or create a lesson plan focusing solely on mental health. Break away from the usual timetable and get your students involved. Harness their ideas in creating activities with the potential of having positive impacts well beyond the classroom. Coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month and include holistic activities such as yoga, meditation and group discussions using guided resources. Raise money for charities (arts & crafts fairs, bake sales, etc.) – think outside the box!

3. Create a lunchtime or after-school club. Providing students with a safe place to learn and apply new skills and meet like-minded peers is an excellent way to promote well-being in and out of the classroom. Participating in physical activities, especially outdoors, does great things for our mental, physical and emotional well-being. Do not panic; you do not have to be a licensed physiotherapist or a gold medalist. Learning alongside your students will build trust and level the playing field.

4. Don’t break your brain! Gift yourself and your students moments of silence throughout the day. These breaks are opportunities to relax, breathe and reset: simple.

5. Create and post a mental health check-in chart for the classroom. The chart is visual confirmation to remind students that they are in a caring, supportive environment. Bring your students onboard in designing a chart that reflects their values and concerns. There are many ways to approach this project; read this arti cle for inspiration!