When the new school year begins, students will enter classrooms feeling a range of emotions, not the least of which is fear. They may wonder: Do I belong? Am I smart enough? Will people tease me? And, most importantly, Am I safe here?
If students feel unsafe and unsupported, they won’t be able to pay attention, focus, take risks, and learn.
You can create a safe environment for learning not by ignoring fear, but by acknowledging it and helping students work through it.
Featured Download: Creating a Safe Learning Environment
Use this sequence of short activities to address back-to-school fears and open the door for social and emotional development in your classroom.
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Teaching Support
Consider this support as you deliver the lessons.
Level
2–8
Learning Objectives
By completing these activities, students will . . .
Identify and acknowledge their fears.
Link feelings and thoughts.
Enter a welcoming classroom community.
Demonstrate empathy and compassion.
Show concern for the feelings of others.
Teaching Tips
Fear is at the root of many of your students’ acting-out or withdrawing behaviors in class. When you address fears, you can reduce these distracting behaviors.
Your willingness to talk about your own fears and concerns helps to create a sense of safety in your room.
Reflect on these questions to examine your own fears as a student and teacher. Use your answers as potential points of discussion with students:
In whose classroom did you feel safest when you were a young student? Why?
What fears did you have during elementary and middle school? How did you overcome them?
How does your current classroom feel? Do you notice any anxious or scared students? Are you radiating the strong, positive energy that tells your students you will protect them?
As an alternative to the "fear jar" activity from Day 2, you could share the fears you experienced as a young student. Then ask students if they hold similar fears:
How many of you are afraid of presenting in front of class? Raise your hand.
How many of you are afraid of being bullied? Raise your hand.
How many of you are afraid of _________________? Raise your hand.
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