Anxiety is a typical human reaction to demanding circumstances. It is a component of our fight-or-flight reaction and sets off our brain’s built-in alarm system, which alerts us that something is wrong and that we need to take action. It increases our alertness, concentrates our attention on the situation, and physically readies our bodies if we need to flee.
When presented with isolated stressful situations, such as test time, all kids in K12 classes will most likely suffer brief anxiety. Whether or not the youngster is aware of the source, anxiety can remain and becomes a problem when it interferes with daily living.
Children’s Anxiety Disorders
Some of the most prevalent anxiety-related disorders affecting K12 kids and teens include the following:
- Disorder of Separation Anxiety
- Disorder of Generalized Anxiety (GAD)
- Disorder of Social Anxiety
- Particular phobias
- Disorder of compulsive behaviour (OCD)
- Fear Disorder
- Disorder of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
How Does School Performance Affect Anxiety?
Learning can be significantly hampered by anxiety. If they are always on high emotional alert, it will be difficult for someone to participate in and gain from the learning possibilities you offer.
While some kids may be diagnosed with anxiety problems, most won’t. You will need to monitor them, evaluate their requirements, and then implement measures to support them using your professional competence.
If a kid from any class between K to 12 exhibits any of the following symptoms, you may be able to identify the likelihood that they are experiencing anxiety:
- Being socially reclusive
- Isolation and aversion to socialising with their pals
- Being too dependent on caretakers and other adults
- Frequently seeming tense or “on edge.”
- Not paying attention in class.
- Lacking self-assurance
In both the larger community and the educational system, improving our children’s and young people’s mental health is of utmost importance.
The best advice and techniques you may use in your practice to achieve this are as follows:
Curriculum
The mandatory health curriculum for state-funded primary and secondary schools now includes lessons on mental health.
You may maintain an open discourse about mental health by organising classes, assemblies, and activities that enable kids to recognise and explore their feelings. They may find it beneficial to consider when and how to ask for support.
Communication
Communicating with the students, their parents, and other caregivers is crucial while providing help for any need in school. Many kids hide their nervousness at school and only show it at home. This does not imply that such kids don’t need assistance at school. Finding successful tactics is easier if family and school communication is kept open.
Making Children Move
Anyone nervous should exercise. Try taking a break for some movement if you notice this since anxiety sometimes manifests as rage. You probably already have a few go-to methods for doing this, but if you need some inspiration, watch our video up above.
Reminding Children to Eat Wisely
Students’ eating habits and sleep schedules are often beyond instructors’ direct control, yet they do influence when it comes to anxiety management. Unsurprisingly, a student’s ability to manage potentially stressful circumstances is affected by their nutrition and sleep habits. It’s one of the reasons why preschoolers need to have a snack and some downtime during the day.
Making a Place to Voice Anxiety
Safe places in the classroom are a wonderful alternative for children who are struggling with anxiety. Another concept is to provide classroom fidgets, which can function both independently and as a component of your safe environment. Giving kids an outlet may occasionally do wonders for their mental health.
Providing Individualized Services
Accommodations may be a game-changer for older pupils. Many students have performance anxiety, particularly before examinations. A student’s brain cannot work well while they are nervous. We can make examinations and assignments less stressful for worried students, improving their performance. Young people with exam anxiety could benefit from extra time and cue sheets.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, students or online schools should work with or care for anxious kids. Understanding anxiety symptoms in children and young people can help you stay vigilant and provide support as soon as possible. The methods and advice in this article are geared toward giving your students the chance to identify and control their fear.
You may enhance the experience of children in K12 classes with anxiety and help them realise their learning potential by focusing on improving their general resilience and combining that with specific, individualised tactics to fulfil their requirements.
