There is so much on a teacher's plate right now that the thought of adding more can be overwhelming. When it comes to supporting student's mental health it should never stress out the teacher -- that kinda defeats the whole point! Here are 5 ways you can introduce and support your student's mental health that can be implemented as soon as tomorrow!

1.) Feelings Charades

Many students in early elementary know and understand what feelings are and many have played charades before! Either way both can be modeled in order to complete this activity. 

Start by modeling what charades is by demonstrating simple emotions like happy, sad, or angry. By the third or fourth emotion demonstrated see if they are able to identify the emotion, then you'll know if they are ready to be the demonstrators. 

Teaching students about emotions is important so that they can identify what they are feeling and how they can calm themselves down in the case of a negative emotion or feeling.

2.) Breathing With Bubbles/Pinwheels

Deep breathing is undoubtedly a great tool to have when feeling stressed out. "Take a deep breath!" is a common sentiment we receive when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed and in turn its something we tell young students to do.

Students do however still need to be taught how to take a deep breath. This can be done by having students inhale deeply and blow out with bubbles! Pinwheels can also be used as a reusable option. 

3.) Worry Dolls

As younger students navigate the world and learn about emotions it can still be difficult to articulate and talk about how they are feeling with grown-ups. Having students create and use worry dolls can help with this! 

Worry dolls originated in Guatemala and can be made or purchased. In Guatemalan culture they are small dolls given to children for them to tell their worries and fears too and then they are instructed to put them under their pillows to sleep on. In modern pediatrics and child psychology worry dolls are utilized in a similar manner. Teachers can utilize this tool as well!

4.) Dance Breaks

When in doubt, dance it out. Movement is tied to improved mental health so why not have fun with it! A good place to start is Go Noodle on YouTube if you are looking for short, fun guided dance movement breaks. 

I hope you've found these ideas and resources useful and easy to implement in your classroom. Comment below if you have found success with any of these ideas or if you have ideas to add! Happy teaching!