Preparing the emotional and physical space II Psychosocial Support

Summary

This video provides practical guidance for teachers on preparing emotional and physical spaces for psychosocial support in the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment by checking in with students about their feelings, using activities like emotions charts and the 'Let It All Out' center. Teachers are also encouraged to focus on their own emotional well-being before sessions, ensuring they are calm and centered to provide a compassionate atmosphere for learners. The video promotes mindfulness and self-care to foster a supportive classroom culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Create a safe emotional and physical space in the classroom to provide psychosocial support for students.
• 😀 Develop a routine of checking in with students about their emotional well-being to foster a culture of safety.
• 😀 Use emotion charts or a section on the Blackboard to allow students to express their dominant feelings visually.
• 😀 Incorporate activities where students can show their emotions through facial expressions to help them understand and communicate their feelings.
• 😀 Implement a 'Let It All Out' space in the classroom where students can scribble or engage with materials to express their emotions.
• 😀 Prepare a guidelines chart for play and art-based activities to manage appropriate language and content during emotional expression.
• 😀 Prioritize your own emotional well-being before each session to ensure calmness, centeredness, and compassion in the classroom.
• 😀 Perform a brief stress test before teaching to assess your stress levels and practice techniques like deep breathing to center yourself.
• 😀 Pay attention to any tension in your body, especially in the face, and use breathing techniques to release it before interacting with students.
• 😀 Be conscious of your thoughts and voice modulation to offer a positive and compassionate presence for your students.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video focuses on how teachers can create a supportive emotional and physical space in the classroom by checking in with their learners and providing psychosocial support.

Why is it important for teachers to check in with their learners about their feelings?

Checking in with learners about their feelings helps build a culture of safety in the classroom, ensuring that learners feel emotionally supported and can express themselves.

How can teachers use an emotions chart in the classroom?

Teachers can create a poster or a section on the Blackboard where learners can indicate their current emotions by placing their names under the appropriate emoticon. This can help teachers gauge how learners are feeling.

What is the purpose of the 'Let It All Out' center?

The 'Let It All Out' center is a designated space where learners can express their feelings by scribbling, using stress-relieving items, or engaging in calming activities. It provides a safe outlet for emotional release.

How should teachers manage the materials in the 'Let It All Out' center?

Teachers should ensure that materials in the 'Let It All Out' center are appropriate for all ages and manage the propriety of the language and images expressed. A guidelines chart can help with this.

What is the purpose of creating a guidelines chart in the classroom?

A guidelines chart is used to establish clear expectations for the behavior and activities in the classroom, particularly during play and art-based activities. It helps ensure that learners understand the rules and are engaged in positive interactions.

What should teachers do before each session to prepare emotionally?

Before each session, teachers should check in with themselves, assess their stress levels, and take steps to center themselves emotionally. This ensures they can provide a calm and compassionate environment for their learners.

How can teachers manage their stress levels before class?

Teachers can perform a brief stress test, breathing deeply to relax their muscles, and consciously set aside any distracting thoughts. This helps them remain calm and focused for their learners.

Why is it important for teachers to be mindful of their facial muscles and voice modulation?

Being mindful of facial muscle tension and voice modulation helps teachers create a positive atmosphere in the classroom. A calm, welcoming demeanor conveys emotional safety and encourages learners to engage with the activities.

What role does emotional language play in teaching?

Learning the emotional language of learners helps teachers recognize and respond to their emotional needs. Understanding how learners express their feelings ensures teachers can provide better emotional support and build trust in the classroom.