Strategies for schools to help relieve stress
Relaxing Music
Playing relaxing music is also good to clear children's minds. You may tell them to write or draw about the music or put their heads down and just listen.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/top-ten-relaxation-techniques-for-children.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/top-ten-relaxation-techniques-for-children.html
Have a class Pet/ Let students cuddle with an animal
Having a gentle class pet can be a challenge in several ways. The benefits should clearly outweigh the negatives. Children can interact with the pet and learn to be gentle and take care of the living animal. Also, if the pet is comfortable enough students who are not afraid to can feel comforted by holding or petting the animal.
Just as well, for young children who are no older than 7 years old, a stuffed animal can also be stress relieving.
http://stress.lovetoknow.com/Top_Ten_Relaxation_Techniques_Children
Just as well, for young children who are no older than 7 years old, a stuffed animal can also be stress relieving.
http://stress.lovetoknow.com/Top_Ten_Relaxation_Techniques_Children
Laughter is the Best medicine
One of the best ways to relieve stress in children is through laughter. It releases a lot of negative tension and stress that can be building up in a child. A few ways in which you might initiate some laughter in a classroom setting are:
Jokes - everybody likes a good, clean joke every now and then.
Sing a funny song - there are plenty of songs that do not make sense that kids just love to sing and will get them laughing.
Puppet Shows - younger children love puppet shows! Let them get involved, too so it will be fun for everyone.
Tell a funny story and use funny impressions and sounds - children think it is funny when an adult makes sounds like them.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/top-ten-relaxation-techniques-for-children.html
Jokes - everybody likes a good, clean joke every now and then.
Sing a funny song - there are plenty of songs that do not make sense that kids just love to sing and will get them laughing.
Puppet Shows - younger children love puppet shows! Let them get involved, too so it will be fun for everyone.
Tell a funny story and use funny impressions and sounds - children think it is funny when an adult makes sounds like them.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/top-ten-relaxation-techniques-for-children.html
Physical Activity
Studies show that people who exercise are better at managing stress. For young children jumping jacks and jogging in place are small activities that are quick and really get the blood flowing through your body and mind.
For older students, playing a game of kickball or soccer is good because they can displace stress on the ball when kicking. Running and jogging are also good, especially while listening to music because then students are able to tune out the stress and focus on activity.
Encourage students to take advantage of recess and physical education classes and even to get involved in a sport. Sports are not for all kids, that's why there are several different forms of stress relievers.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002059.htm
For older students, playing a game of kickball or soccer is good because they can displace stress on the ball when kicking. Running and jogging are also good, especially while listening to music because then students are able to tune out the stress and focus on activity.
Encourage students to take advantage of recess and physical education classes and even to get involved in a sport. Sports are not for all kids, that's why there are several different forms of stress relievers.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002059.htm
Group Yoga Sessions
By finding an area that all the students can fit in, any teacher can learn a few easy yoga poses for children to do. Yoga is great because it relaxes students' muscles and minds. It gives them a chance to move and get out any jitters they may have, plus, it's physical exercise that's good for the body anyway.
http://yogakids.com/toolsforschools/tfs-overview.htm
http://yogakids.com/toolsforschools/tfs-overview.htm