Monitoring Students’ Mental Health

Mental health is one of those topics that a lot of individuals are surprisingly afraid to speak out about. However, we should be advocating to make this something more aware. Anyone can be an advocate for mental health but one of the most important people in the lives of students are teachers.

This week’s article is focused on 5 ways that teachers can monitor and support students’ mental health.

• Do weekly checkups

It may be difficult for children to get back into the frame of mind of learning or possibly need more time. As their teacher, instead of rushing into a new lecture, you could make time to find out how they’re doing. Also, teachers could allow these children to take breaks which would further allow them to conversate with their friends.

• Listen to their concerns

It’s quite obvious that the pandemic greatly impacted everyone, especially students with the closure of schools. More specifically, the well-being of these students. Teachers need to listen to the concerns of these students and act empathetically. In addition to that, teachers can make themselves available for students to be able to connect with them.

• Exercise good coping behaviors

Many students see their teacher as their role model. Hence, teachers at all times must demonstrate a positive attitude towards children. This may include being caring, honest, and holding good composure. Students will learn from these instances and portray the same attitude; as the saying “children live what they learn” and vice versa.

• Be alerted to behavior

If there are noticeable changes in a child’s behavior that are directly/indirectly affecting his/her learning, teachers can provide support. However, It is best to seek further assistance from the higher authorities of the school or the authorities put in place for these types of instances (such as guidance counselors). From there, they will find out and decide whether there is a need for more advanced help.

• Be open to suggestions

Teachers can allow students to give their opinions and/or suggestions on what should be done to ensure for them a safe and comfortable learning environment. For example, by decorating their classrooms with charts of encouragement as well as allowing them to work in groups, teaching them to show each other support. Teachers can show acts of gratitude as well to students, making it known to them that they are loved and appreciated.