To say I am anxious about school reopening is an understatement. In March, when the schools were closed by our Governor, my little family created a safety bubble. We haven't gone out. We get all things delivered or by curb-side pick up. We have missed parties, funerals, weddings, graduations and seeing family and friends. This was the choice we made to protect our family. Now.....that bubble is going to be popped, and I am terrified.
On Tuesday of this week the Kansas State Department of Education released their guide to reopen schools. Last week our district's leadership team (which I am apart of) began working on how to safely continue to educate students with our world's "new normal." Right now there appears to be more questions than answers....which doesn't help with the anxiety!! I am thankful my district and state's governor has leadership that is rooted in science and puts kids and teacher's safety top of mind while making decisions.
Deep breath. (okay lots of deep breaths....)
So what can we do about our anxiety? Our fear? As educators, if we are having these anxious thoughts, how might our students be feeling? What might we do to help students?
Here are seven tips that can help you, and your students cope with anxiety. These tips were compiled from experts at the Centers for Disease Control and the Child Mind Institute, a leading nonprofit clinic that offers care for children and families struggling with mental illness.
1. Deal with anxiety in a healthy way
We need to model for our kids how to react to stressful times by coping with anxiety in a healthy way. When one is feeling anxious, name the emotion but don't let it run the show. Instead of jumping on the hamster wheel of worst case scenarios, think about what is going right, or something that is positive. Often what an adult is feeling can be inadvertently passed on to a child. Thus it is important to show students how to confront anxiety the right way.
2. Watch for signs of anxiety in your students
Kids might not always be able to express how they are feeling, so make sure you are in-tune to any changes. For example, in many younger students anxiety masquerades as a psychical ailment (headache, stomach ache, irritability).
3. Use kid-friendly language
Kids will probably have questions, and when they do make sure you are are using words that students are able to understand. Give your kiddos time to process what you have discussed and check back to confirm their understanding.
4. Reassurance
Provide reassurance to your students, but don't over-do it. Sometimes when we constantly assure it actually creates anxiety. Instead let your students know we are doing everything we can to keep them safe. Share with them the routines and safety measures that are put into place and why they are important.
5. Model Calm
Be present. Practice mindfulness. I know one thing I have to do, is limit myself to one news program a day---otherwise my brain spirals. It is important to be informed, but I don't need to be watching the news 24/7.
6. Routine
Sticking with your normal routine in the classroom and at home feels safe for students. Yes, your routine may have additional steps--but try to stick to the script. Structure during an uncertain time is comforting.
7. Find the positive
Find the silver lining. You may have to dig deep and search far---but they are there!
The following quote hit the nail on the head for me, as I hope it does for you.
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