Question
What are some strategies teachers can employ to support children with anxiety disorders in the classroom?
Answer
Classroom strategies are crucial in supporting children with anxiety. Establishing clear and consistent routines can be incredibly helpful, especially during the initial stages of an anxious response at drop-off. Consistent actions, such as hugs from mom and a comforting routine like being held and then reading a book, provide a sense of security for the child. Teachers' warm, loving, and attuned responses are vital in reassuring anxious children. It's important for children to feel supported and understood, knowing that their teachers are there to help them navigate their worries.
Mindfulness and breathing exercises are highly effective strategies for managing anxiety at any age. Even very young children can learn to take deep breaths to help calm themselves down. Collaboration with parents is essential in understanding what strategies may work best for each child and reinforcing consistent approaches between home and school. Balancing reassurance with encouraging healthy responses empowers children to manage their worries more effectively. For example, acknowledging a parent's return while also reminding the child that parents always come back can help instill confidence in the child's mind.
Many classrooms now incorporate designated spaces like worry corners, cozy corners, or calm-down corners, providing children with a soothing environment where they can go to relax. Transitional objects, such as a piece of mom's scarf, a picture, a keychain, or a favorite stuffed animal from home, can offer comfort and familiarity throughout the day. Integrating books about feelings and coping strategies into classroom activities normalizes discussions about emotions and provides valuable opportunities for children to express themselves and learn from one another.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Understanding Early Childhood Diagnosis: What Preschool Teachers Need to Know, presented by Karalynn Royster, PsyD, IMH-E®.
