Mental Health

Find compassionate perspectives and evidence-based strategies to foster school environments that promote psychological well-being and support students experiencing behavioral, emotional, or social challenges.

There has been an error with the video.
How to Respond When a Student Acts Out
Research shows that disciplining a child when they’re in the middle of an emotional outburst isn’t effective. Try these strategies instead.
Covid-19’s Impact on Students’ Academic and Mental Well-Being
The pandemic has revealed—and exacerbated—inequities that hold many students back. Here’s how teachers can help.
Youki Terada
How Children Process Grief and Loss Through Play
Young children will likely process the tumultuous events of 2020 in the only way they know how—through play. Here’s how adults can be supportive.
Emily Kaplan
There has been an error with the video.
Making Students Feel Safe
A trauma-informed approach ensures that students feel safe, supported, and nurtured—to improve their chances of academic success.
When Students Are Traumatized, Teachers Are Too
Trauma in students’ lives takes an emotional and physical toll on teachers as well. Experts weigh in on the best ways to cope.
Emelina Minero
There has been an error with the video.
A Daily Support System for Students
Students who need extra social and emotional support have a quick check-in with an adult at the start and end of each day.
A De-escalation Exercise for Upset Students
A simple technique that takes just a few minutes can help an agitated student regain the state of mind needed for learning.
Daniel Vollrath
There has been an error with the video.
60-Second Strategy: Snowball Toss
A quick, fun classroom activity fosters open dialogue while releasing pent-up energy.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Education
The principal of an internationally recognized trauma-informed school explains what this form of education is—and what it isn’t.
Mathew Portell
The How and Why of Trauma-Informed Teaching
In an extraordinary Twitter chat, educators discuss building trauma-informed social and emotional learning environments.
Alex Shevrin Venet
22 YA Novels to Help Students Process the Pandemic (or Forget It for a Bit)
A former school librarian shares recent young adult novels to boost kids’ resilience or give them some laughs. A few dystopian picks may provide a new perspective on the current situation.
Terri Grief
As Teen Stress Increases, Teachers Look for Answers
Seventy percent of teens say stress is a major problem. Research backs that up—and teachers are beginning to offer solutions.
Andrew Simmons
There has been an error with the video.
Creating a Dedicated Space for Reflection
Providing students with a quiet spot where they can calm themselves in times of stress helps them develop self-regulation.
Simple Metacognitive Strategies to Help Anxious Learners Succeed
Anxiety and learning go hand in hand, but research suggests that simple activities focused on self-talk and metacognitive reflection can create calmer, more focused learners.
Youki Terada
DIY Ways to Meet a Child's Sensory Needs at Home
Occupational therapists and trauma-informed teachers weigh in on how to create sensory tools and spaces with what you have at home.
Emelina Minero, Nora Fleming

Mental Health

.css-1enhq53:hover{background-color:#d1ecfa;}How to Respond When a Student Acts Out

.css-1sk4066:hover{background:#d1ecfa;}Covid-19’s Impact on Students’ Academic and Mental Well-Being

How to Respond When a Student Acts Out

Covid-19’s Impact on Students’ Academic and Mental Well-Being