Apart from teaching practical happy tips , you also help your students find out about healthy food and using oils for well-being . Could you share some tips that other teachers can apply in their classroom ?
I usually begin with using essential oils from day one , ( I use an oil diffuser ) and I just wait for the students to comment on the aroma in the room . I usually begin with lavender oil , and when they notice the aroma , I ask simple questions such as : What does it smell like to you ? How does that smell make you feel ? Do you notice it right away , or does it take time to smell it ?
After a bit of time when students have the opportunity to make their own observations , I bring in a lavender plant and talk about all of its amazing properties . Usually , the students are curious enough to want to research more , and they will find out all kinds of great facts about lavender and different essential oils . Sometimes I have an “ Oil of the week ,” and let the students research to learn the benefits of that oil . Because the olfactory system is so strong and connects so much to memory and emotion , I check in with students about how they feel with other oils before using them in the diffuser .
Essential oils are known to have different benefits . Lavender , for instance , is excellent to help calm the nervous system and balance strong emotions . It also has the benefits of serving as an antiseptic , and helps to eliminate germs in a space . It is also good for enhancing memory , as are Rosemary , peppermint , and ylang ylang . For teachers new to aromatherapy , I suggest starting out with Lavender oil , which is easily found in most drugstores and health food stores .
I follow a similar inquiry process to talk about nutrition and the benefits of foods . At the start of the year , I talk about food as nutrition and fuel for our minds , and we do a bit of research on the best foods for the brain . From there , I encourage healthy choices for our “ nutrition breaks .” ( Known as Snack time in other classrooms !) I do a number of things to encourage curiosity about healthy food choices . I bring in foods that are known to boost the immune system or that boost the mood and encourage my students to taste them while we talk about the benefits . I ’ ve had healthy smoothie challenges ala Master Chef competitions , and I also try to bring in cooking to the class when possible . I also model healthy nutrition breaks- students watch everything we do , so I keep it healthy !
How do you help students overcome anxiety and stress ?
That ’ s a big question that could have a whole book unto itself ! The first thing I do is to know my students really well so I can understand the root cause of their stress and anxiety . Once I know what the root cause is , I can bring in appropriate strategies . If it ’ s self-talk and selfimposed pressure , I can teach some ways to reframe the thinking and promote being kind to ourselves . If the stress comes from not understanding material , then I intervene with learning support along with growth mindset strategies . I also bring in tapping techniques , yoga , meditation , and exercise .
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