Don’t Tell Me to Calm Down

"General anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. For many people anxiety begins in childhood. Chances are good you have children in your class who struggle with anxiety,” writes Karen Nelson in the article "7 Ways to Help Students Who Struggle with Anxiety."

"Anxiety can be more than just 'worries.' Anxiety can influence classroom performance as profoundly as ADD or a more traditional learning disability. An anxious brain can’t absorb new information or even retrieve previously learned information as effectively as a non-anxious brain.

"Kids who are worried and anxious aren’t doing it on purpose," Nelson continues. "The nervous system acts automatically, especially when it comes to worry (which often stems from fight or flight reflexes.) That’s why phrases like 'just relax' or 'calm down' aren't helpful. But with practice, kids can learn to slow down their anxious brains and teachers can learn to help them. Here are seven ways to help calm anxious kids in the classroom."

1. Get Kids Breathing Deep
2. Get Outside
3. Get Kids Moving: Walk and Talk
4. Think Positive: Gratitude Journals
5. Help Kids Eat Healthy and Stay Well
6. Share a Story
7. Consider Accommodations

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site