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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