Resource Library-Children’s Mental Health Promotion and Support: Strategies for Educators

Pdf Summary

The importance of promoting and supporting children's mental health in schools is emphasized in this article. It discusses various strategies that educators can implement to create a positive school environment, engage students, develop relationships, involve families, and coordinate services. It highlights the role of schools in not only teaching academics but also promoting the psychological health of students.<br /><br />The article suggests that school-wide activities can build a sense of community and provide opportunities for students and staff to learn about each other. The physical environment should also promote a sense of learning and be clean and welcoming. Creating classroom environments that increase student engagement is critical, and teachers should provide tasks that are challenging, relevant, and enhance students' self-efficacy.<br /><br />Developing positive teacher-student relationships, supportive peer relationships, and positive home-school communication are also important in creating a healthy context for learning. The article recommends the Responsive Classroom approach, which focuses on relationship development and the discussion of shared concerns.<br /><br />Family involvement is crucial in any mental health program for children, and the Positive Attitudes Through Learning in Schools (PALS) program provides strategies for engaging and supporting families. It emphasizes the importance of flexible services, parent support groups, and home visits.<br /><br />The article also emphasizes the need to address and recognize warning signs of mental health difficulties in students. Educators should be aware of risk-taking behaviors and provide support when needed. Students with intensive mental health needs may require a system of care involving the home, school, and community.<br /><br />Overall, the article highlights the importance of promoting and supporting children's mental health in schools and provides practical strategies for educators to implement in order to create a positive and supportive environment for students.

Asset Caption

Educators and other school personnel play an important role in helping students attend to learning while developing the skills needed to address and overcome the challenges that accompany a mental health illness. Explore strategies to identify and support students with mental health challenges.

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Keywords

children's mental health

schools

promoting

supporting

positive school environment

engaging students

developing relationships

involving families

coordinating services

school-wide activities