How Teachers can Support the Mental Health of Children when School Reopens?

Dealing with stressful situations is equally important for both children and adults. Children have experienced isolation, grief, and anxiety and some may have experienced extreme violence at home during the school closure period. Here, teachers become critical support to students when they come back to the classroom environment after an extended period of absence from classroom learning. 

There are some suggestions for teachers which might be helpful for them to deal with the problems in children.

• They should keenly listen to children’s concerns to show empathy and understanding of their problems. Discuss the issues that affect them and safeguard them from harmful situations.

• Check on the wellbeing of children. Ensure that they easily connect and interact with their peer group.

• Create a comforting classroom environment for students when they return to school and foster feelings of safety and security by developing a positive relationship with children.

• Be aware of the warning signs in children and seek additional support and guidance when necessary.

• Encourage the children to interact with peers to promote interaction.

• Be a role model for your students. Your honesty, positivity, and calmness will be passed on to students as they look up to you and learn from your skills.