We all want our students to be successful, but they can’t succeed academically unless their mental and emotional wellness is taken care of first. The academic journey isn’t solely focused on good grades; it’s also about mentoring our students and helping them grow into strong, independent, and emotionally intelligent leaders. This may sound like a daunting task, but supporting the emotional health of our learners can be accomplished with small gestures. Here are the 3 best ways you can support your students’ emotional health:
1. Recognize their accomplishments.
This one sounds easy, but is often easily forgotten when the school year gets busy. It’s important to celebrate even the smallest wins of our students because this empowers them and gives them the confidence boost they need to continue their hard work. It shows them we notice their hard work and that we care about them. Sometimes the academic journey feels like a race to the finish line, and just like with any other race, we need to cheer on our learners along the way.
2. Ask them what they need to succeed.
We think we know what is best for our students, but at the end of the day, our students are the only ones who know exactly what they need. Instead of making all of the decisions for your students, try asking them what they need to succeed. When the academic journey becomes overwhelming, this simple question gives your students a sense of control over the situation. This also encourages independence and problem solving, which are necessary life skills both inside and outside of academia.
3. Check in with them regularly.
Just like we want our students to succeed, they also want to make us proud. They may hide their struggles in an effort to not disappoint us, but silently suffering can cause harmful long-term effects. Don’t let problems go unsolved for too long—schedule regular check-ins with each of your students and let them know you are there to support them academically and emotionally. Make sure you really listen to their requests and actively provide solutions when you can.
At Gideon Math & Reading Center, we believe supporting our students’ emotional wellness is one of the most important ways to set them up for long-term success. Using the 3 ways listed in this article to support your students’ emotional health can greatly improve your students’ mood and performance at school and at home. You can learn more about our methodology or contact us to have your questions answered!