And guess what? New teachers, especially, please know that you don't have to … There are many techniques out there to help kids calm down. Sometimes this can work wonders in just giving kids an outlet. and can opt-out at any time. When I spend 15 minutes reading an inspirational Bible passage in the early morning, for example, I gain strength to face whatever comes my way. I absolutely agree with this little statement. And when you become aware of your breathing, you’ll not only calm your own nerves, sharpen your mental acuity, and brighten your state of mind, but you’ll become a calming, centering influence on your students. In addition to being easy to use, relaxation techniques are some of the few tools that offer an immediate sense of relief from the symptoms of mental illness. You can start teaching your toddlers some yoga poses that they can imitate very early on. When giving directions, providing information, and responding to your students, it pays to speak calmly. You might find yourself whispering with wide-eyed fascination one moment and giving an oration like James Earl Jones the next. The goal is for kids to learn techniques that they can later use when they need help regulating their emotions or behaviors. Back to school time can be a wonderful, exciting time for some students and a frustrating, new experience for other students. ASSESS THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM It soothes nervous energy, helps students focus on you and your message, and gives them confidence that what you say is important and worth listening to. An educator attempting to calm an agitated student cannot always select the setting in which that interaction plays out. Special Education. It’s more of a reminder not to get caught up frenetically shuffling papers, pacing a groove in the floor, or racing mindlessly from one task to another—as so many teachers are wont to do. The simple techniques, called rapid resets, are designed for “anyone with a nervous system,” Rogers says, but they can be especially helpful in the school setting where teachers and students of all grade levels experience different levels of stress and trauma. You won’t. If a meltdown or outburst does occur, do not teach a calming technique in that moment. Perpetually busy, racing thoughts, under the gun, unsure, unprepared, stressed-out. Jill Eulberg, Veteran Educator, M.S. Further reading: The Signs of Teacher Burnout. By taking a couple of deep breaths every hour, you’ll exhale the tension and excitability right out of your classroom. Reaching out to coworkers and talking about your feelings can be a great relief. Parents can use these NVCI strategies to help keep their child safe during explosive moments. Also, seek out books, websites, or podcasts for inspiration. 5 Steps For Teaching Relaxation Techniques. See yourself responding to your students with poise, dignity, and calm assuredness. Obviously, plans can change, but having plans definitely helps reduce anxiety. Direct teaching and reinforcing of strategies is the key to a peaceful classroom!This s. Many factors that impact a teacher's job are simply out of their control. Their program includes such simple relaxation techniques as breathing in for 7 seconds and out for 11 – in what has been dubbed the 7/11 approach. Almost immediately, blood pressure drops, your expression softens, and tension drains from your body. Over time, therapists develop their own scripts, tips, and tricks for teaching relaxation skills more effectively. Take a few deep breaths and relax into your chair. Calm is the #1 app for sleep and meditation. Social stories are game-changers in the primary classroom! Smiling makes a positive difference in my mood – and in my students. anything but listen to you. Because a tightly wound teacher translates to a tension-filled classroom—the kind of tension visitors can feel tingling in their sensory receptors the moment they enter your classroom. Wait for the right moment. If you’ve worked with kids for awhile, you know all about transitions and transition strategies and calming techniques during transitions…those little magic tricks that creative teachers, therapists, caregivers, and others have invented to help prevent tantrums and promote self-regulation when kids need to move from one activity to another throughout the day. Getting Started Flower and Candle. These common teacher behaviors create tension in the classroom and push students’ buttons like almost nothing else. Engaging children in breathing and movement activity helps them become more aware of their bodies and the sensations within their bodies. This may be true, but far it’s easier said than done. I believe that, as educators, when you are aware of the role your emotions play in your daily activities it is at that time that you can be more effective with your students and colleagues. 1 / 6. But you have the power to fix it. Think about your child when he’s in the middle of a tantrum. The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique This second technique gets you to use all your five senses to help you to get back to the present. But luckily, the right teaching strategies and methods can keep children with autism on track to finish the school year strong. But my “go to” calming technique—especially for kids who are overstimulated or overwhelmed—is something called heavy work . This is a classic example of the importance of emotional intelligence, or EQ. Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | About. Hold the breath for a count of four. Click here and begin receiving classroom management articles like this one in your email box every week. They are not typically a “cure” for anxiety; they are best used together with other CBT skills such as cognitive restructuring and exposure and practiced regularly, like exercise. It teaches them how to use their breath to focus their attention and calm themselves.