For many students, particularly those dealing with anxiety, the school environment can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. However, one surprisingly simple tool that can help handle these feelings is a calendar. By using calendars in the classroom, teachers can provide students with a sense of structure and predictability, which is crucial for managing anxiety. Let’s explore how calendars can be utilized effectively to support students with anxiety and build a more inclusive classroom environment.
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The Role of Calendars in Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety often stems from a fear of the unknown. When students aren’t sure what to expect, their anxiety can spike, making it harder for them to focus. I don’t know about you, but I would be lost without my calendar. Between my planner, my paper calendar on my desk, and the calendar I keep on my phone, I would be a puddle of anxiety and would have no idea what I was scheduled to do on any given day without them! Using calendars is a life skill for all, especially for students with anxiety! Here’s where a well-structured calendar can come into play:
- Predictability: Calendars help provide a clear outline of what’s to come. For an anxious student, knowing the plan for the day or week can significantly lower stress levels.
- Preparation: By having a visual reminder of upcoming events and assignments, students can better prepare themselves mentally and physically, reducing the anxiety that comes with last-minute surprises.
- Control: Calendars give students a sense of control over their time and responsibilities. This empowerment is crucial for students who feel overwhelmed by their anxiety.
How to Implement Calendars for Anxiety Management
1. Daily Agenda: Start each day by reviewing the calendar as a class. This can be part of a morning routine where you share the day’s activities, highlighting any changes or important events. Make sure this calendar is always visible in the classroom, like on a whiteboard or posted on the wall.
2. Weekly Overviews: At the beginning of each week, take a few minutes to overview the week’s schedule. This helps students adjust to what’s coming and manage their expectations and anxieties about the week ahead.
3. Personal Calendars: Encourage students to have their own personal calendars. These can be simple planners where they jot down homework, tests, and any individual activities, etc. Teach them how to break down projects into manageable tasks and set personal deadlines, which can help them feel more in control.
4. Digital Calendars: Utilize digital calendars for older students who have access to devices. Tools like Google Calendar can be shared and updated in real time, providing alerts and reminders that can help students stay on track and feel prepared.
5. Classroom Project Timelines: For long-term projects, create visual timelines that are displayed in the classroom. These timelines can help students understand each phase of the project and see how their individual tasks contribute to the larger goals.
Tips for Making the Most of Calendars
1. Consistency is Key: Regularly updating and referring to the calendar helps students internalize the routine and trust the process, which is crucial for supporting students with anxiety.
2. Be Flexible: While consistency is important, it’s also HUGE to teach students how to handle changes in plans. Use any changes in the schedule as teaching moments to develop flexibility and resilience. Walk students through this process, validate any feelings that come up due to the changes, and offer them tools and supports for managing those feelings.
3. Involve Students in Planning: Whenever possible, involve students in the planning process. This inclusion can boost their confidence and provide a sense of ownership over their schedule and activities.
4. Visibility: Make sure that calendars and schedules are placed where all students can see them clearly. For digital calendars, ensure that all students have access and understand how to use them effectively. When we don’t frequently refer back to tools, they can so easily just become clutter or wallpaper on the walls.
5. Simplify: Avoid cluttering the calendar with too much information. Keep it clean and simple, focusing on the most important dates and tasks to prevent overwhelming students.
Calendars are more than just time-management tools; they are essential supports for providing structure for students with anxiety, especially for those who may struggle with unpredictability and stress.
When we intentionally use calendars, teachers can help all students gain a better handle on their daily and weekly expectations, leading to a calmer, more predictable classroom environment. With these strategies, we can make our classrooms a safer space for students with anxiety, empowering them to manage their responsibilities and reduce their stress levels.
