Mental Health in Schools
Tick Education wanted to look into ways to promote positive mental health in schools, for students who may not want to speak out.
Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK runs from 9th May-13th May 2022. This year’s theme is loneliness and how we can make connections with others who may be suffering in silence. Statistics have revealed that 75% of mental illness starts before a child has their 18th birthday. Also, 51% of students are too embarrassed to talk.
Here are some out-of-the-box ideas that may help with mental health in schools. These small tips could go a long way, without you even realising.
Calming Music for the Classroom
There is hard evidence that music can help with feelings of anxiety and stress. There are even playlists that have been created with the classroom and children in mind. It has also been said that studying and revising to music can help focus your mind and lessen distraction. The best music choices for a calming environment include sounds of nature, whilst classical music has been linked with increased brain power.
Check out this playlist on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUXEeAXywCY
Build up a Sense of Community
Encourage group activities and play sessions to get kids interacting with different kids. It’s easy for students to gravitate to their friends and group activities can seem more daunting to the quiet ones. Mix up the groups and encourage discussion. If you’re in a primary setting, a group game could work well. In secondary setting a group project could work with students taking on different roles and working together.
Promote Keeping Active
Exercise releases endorphins, aka the happy hormone! Encourage students to get up and get active. Plan games, play or sports sessions to break up the monotony of sitting at a desk. Educate students on ways they can keep active outside of school. Why not set projects and homework that involves students having to embrace the outdoors? Fresh air can help clear the mind of negativity.
Really want to improve mental health in schools? Re-educate yourself!
As teaching staff we all know how important it is to keep up to date with CPD and refresh your existing knowledge. Ask your school if there are any courses you can do to help identify the signs of mental health. There are several free courses online to help empathise with mental health sufferers and understand more about the different conditions that are out there. Check out the ones offered by Mental Health Courses – https://mentalhealthcourses.org.uk/
Want to get into supply teaching? See what current vacancies we have available in your area – www.tickeducation.co.uk/tick-jobs