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Integrating nature—Bringing in a plant, rocks, leaves, crystals, or other natural pieces into the classroom helps create a more calm and relaxing climate. While students are not exactly outside and immersed in nature directly, they are still able to appreciate and connect with the earth through these items (Miller, 2000).
Creating a Zen Den—Having a distinct area in the class where students can quietly reflect, meditate, calm down or think privately is pivotal. Not only does it remind them of the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset by finding stillness (Miller, 2000) and mentally recharging, it also physically shows how they can disengage or separate from a stressful situation. Having this distinct physical separation reminds students of the active attempts they can make to better address mental health concerns. The calming environment of the classroom Zen Den can help students channel their thoughts and feelings appropriately.
Understanding Students—Taking the time to get to know the students and understanding who they are, where they come from, and what they need is essential. While every student is different and requires a different type of support from their teacher, taking the time understand how to adjust and adapt to these different needs requires time and attention from the teachers and other staff at the school. However, by doing this, students feel heard, supported, and can hopefully thrive within the learning environment (Blitz et al., 2020).
Encourage students—In addition to supporting students’ needs, also providing students with positive feedback and ongoing encouragement is essential. While it is important to understand the students’ varying struggles, it is also key to guide students on how to better themselves and persevere through them. This may also involve communication with other teachers, education support staff (social worker/psychologist), the principal, and of course, ongoing conversations with the parents/guardians (Blitz et al., 2020).
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A holistic learning experience involves the learner, the teacher but also the physical environment itself. Creating a space that supports mental wellness therefore is key. Establishing a physically safe space that is visually appealing and emotionally supportive is pivotal for students to feel comfortable and thrive in their classroom.
Creating this space is a multi-levelled approach. It involves a combination of physical and emotional efforts to make up this environment.
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Zen Den
With ongoing communication, a safe space, and healthy climate, students will hopefully feel confident in their classroom environment, and have the ability to thrive within it. It is with attention to these details that students will subtly see their mental health as a top priority by the teachers and other education leaders around the school!