Many students are hard on themselves, often struggling with self-doubt and negative thoughts throughout the day. Since teachers understand students need a positive mindset to learn, they work hard to build mindfulness and classroom collaboration. Thankfully, there are many great ideas to use when promoting social-emotional learning and mental health awareness in the classroom!
When is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Everyone should focus on their mental health every day of the year. Otherwise, we can become stressed and overwhelmed. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to add a few special activities. Students will learn excellent techniques on how to believe in themselves, even during the most challenging times.
Importance of SEL and Mental Health Awareness
Teachers all hope students learn all the material taught each year. However, many students experience a heartbreaking internal fight each day. Honestly, it is so hard to learn when experiencing these emotions. This is precisely why students need SEL lessons and an understanding of mental health. Students learn about empathy and active listening when these aspects are within lessons or the school day. Additionally, they learn how to collaborate, self-reflect, and practice mindfulness exercises. Ultimately, SEL and mental health awareness allows students to focus on collaboration, respect, self-reflection, and constructive feedback.
Choose Kind Action Cards
These cards are perfect for promoting classroom social-emotional learning and mental health awareness! Specifically, there are 20 unique “Take Action” cards. Teachers can print out the cards and create a kindness jar. Then, students can select a task card to help promote kindness in the classroom.
Health Reading Passages
Promoting social-emotional learning and mental health awareness in the classroom lets students know they are not alone. While they may not realize it, other classmates may be undergoing similar thoughts, feelings, or situations. So, these reading passages are a fantastic way to focus on essential health topics. This includes understanding the perfectionism complex and standing up to a bully. This FREEBIE is excellent to use during Mental Health Awareness Month!
Cyberbullying Lapbook
Sadly, students spread so much hate behind the screen. Since it is easier to say something in a message than, in person, this is where many issues begin. So, students need to understand that cyberbullying is real and never okay! This FREE resource educates students all about the dangers of cyberbullying. It even focuses on how students can protect themselves while using technology.
Mindfulness & Guided Meditation
Students come into the classroom with many emotions and thoughts to process. So, mindfulness is critical when promoting classroom social-emotional learning and mental health awareness! Thankfully, this resource includes everything needed to help students start the day with a relaxing meditation. There are 10 editable mindful exercises to offer variety. For instance, this includes starry nights, forest paths, underwater, and campfires. There are even animations, music, timers, and nature sounds!
Mental, Emotional, & Social Health Interactive Notebook
For students to understand mental health, they need information on it. Otherwise, they will just think they need to handle their emotions alone. Luckily, this resource includes tons of topics in an interactive format.
For example, students will learn about stress, adjusting to life changes, fight-or-flight, perfectionism, dealing with loss, and empathy. Topics even include anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. Students will love having a teacher who cares about them so much!
Ultimately, promoting social-emotional learning and mental health awareness in the classroom builds a great classroom environment. There is support, empathy, active listening, and mindfulness. Additionally, there is self-reflection, diversity, and inclusivity. Students will love being in a classroom with such caring, supportive classmates!
If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining the email list, you will also receive Ancient Civilization FREEBIE Collection for blog exclusive subscribers!
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