School Anxiety
By Dena on
Starting a new school year can be an anxiety provoking experience for students with all types of disabilities. Students often have concerns they may not verbalize, such as those below.
?- Is the school nurse prepared to help me? Does she have my medications? Can she help other staff members learn about my needs?
?- Did my teachers review and do they understand my IEP or 504 plan? Will they
correctly follow through on my educational plan?
?- I want to be treated like any other kid. Will the other students accept me for who I
am or will they ignore me, or make fun of me, or even bully me?
These are just a few of the common concerns students with disabilities may have at the start of a new school year. As the opening day of school approaches, anxiety increases. Here are some suggestions for anxiety reduction which can be done at home, in school, and anywhere else.
* Close eyes Take in a deep breath through the nose
Hold breath for a slow count of 4 Slowly release breath through mouth
Open eyes Repeat at least 3 times
* Visualize something that is pleasant eg.: puppies playing, a bouquet of flowers,
the forest, a happy face, the beach, a favorite cozy spot, etc
It might help to have a picture of what is pleasant which can be looked at whenever
needed.
* Think of a favorite or silly song.
* Make a frown. Then smile! Hold the smile..