Mental Health Over Spring Break
We are nearing Spring break which means Spring fever! Parents and teachers may notice students having a tougher time focusing during school or, pretty much all the time, right now. Not to worry! I have a few helpful tips to share:
- This is a great time to encourage students to use their words and ask for brain breaks when they need them. Send the student outside for some fresh air and outdoor play.
- To add to #1, try to encourage breaks every 30-45 minutes to allow for standing and stretching.
- With the time change, schedules can be a little off and students may stay up later than planned. Try to remain aware of the time and get the student to bed at a reasonable hour. A well-rested student will be able to better focus.
- Also, try to take advantage of that extra sunlight by sending students outside to play in the late afternoon or early evening. Exercise equals better sleep(most of the time anyway!).
- If all else fails, take a deep breath, think of all you are grateful for, slowly count to ten and ask yourself, “is this a big problem or a small problem” (and then respond appropriately). Role modeling a few coping mechanisms for students is effective as well.
- Students should be practicing their coping mechanisms too!
- Share the agenda for the school day to help students better understand expectations and goals.
- If possible, give the student responsibilities that are aligned with the agenda and hold them accountable. In a classroom, this can be anything from being the person that reads the agenda to being a person that comes up with fun activities for the class. At home, this can mean setting the table for meals or helping a younger sibling get ready in the morning.
- For younger students, reward charts are a straight-forward way of letting the student know how they are doing in class. Did you know that 75% of children in this country play Roblox? Video game time can be a reward!
- And last but not least, celebrate Spring! Bears come out of hibernation, flowers bloom and caterpillars become butterflies. What other cool things happen in Spring?
-Elizabeth Nugent, School Counselor