We all know the importance of supporting our students’ mental health, but sometimes, we’re not quite sure where to begin. That’s where Erika’s Lighthouse comes into play. This free (yes, it’s literally free) mental health curriculum offers a structured and research-backed approach to help us address mental health topics in the classroom. So, let’s dive into how you can effectively utilize Erika’s Lighthouse with your students.
Understanding Erika’s Lighthouse
Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health education in schools. Their curriculum is designed to empower teachers and students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of mental health. It’s a comprehensive resource that covers various mental health topics, making it an invaluable addition to your teaching toolkit.
1. Begin with Teacher Training
Before you introduce the curriculum to your students, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with it. Mental health is undoubtedly as sensitive as it is important. Erika’s Lighthouse offers training for teachers, which includes guidance on the curriculum’s content and how to approach these sensitive topics in the classroom. Training helps you feel more confident in discussing mental health with your students.
2. Create a Safe and Open Environment
One of the first steps in implementing this curriculum is creating a classroom environment where students feel safe discussing mental health. Establish ground rules for open and respectful communication. Encourage students to listen without judgment and share their thoughts and feelings. Working to form a cohesive and strong classroom community can be done in tandem with these lessons to help all students feel safe.
3. Incorporate Personal Stories
One of the strengths of Erika’s Lighthouse is its focus on personal stories and experiences. Encourage students to share their stories, if they feel comfortable doing so. Sharing personal experiences can help reduce stigma and create a sense of community within the classroom.
4. Use Interactive Activities
The curriculum is filled with engaging, interactive activities. These activities can help students understand complex topics and make learning about mental health more relatable. For example, you can use activities like the “Exploring the Stress Response” exercise from the “Teen Empowerment: Depression 101” module to illustrate the physical and emotional aspects of stress and depression. I also love the idea of supplementing lessons with coping skills instruction, using visuals like emotion anchor charts, and using books to support concepts.
5. Foster Peer Support
Erika’s Lighthouse emphasizes the importance of peer support. Encourage students to be there for one another. The curriculum includes resources for peer-led discussions and activities that can help students support their peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
6. Expand to Other Modules
This curriculum offers a range of modules covering various mental health topics, such as anxiety, self-esteem, and coping skills. As you and your students become more comfortable with the curriculum, consider exploring additional modules based on your students’ needs and interests.
7. Encourage Reflection and Journaling
Reflection is a powerful tool for self-awareness and understanding one’s mental health. Encourage students to keep journals or reflective logs where they can express their thoughts, emotions, and insights gained from the curriculum. This practice can help them process what they’ve learned and monitor their own mental well-being.
8. Collaborate with School Mental Health Team Members
Your school’s counselors, social workers, and psychs can be valuable allies in implementing these lessons. Collaborate with them to ensure that students who may need additional support are connected to the appropriate resources. These professionals can also provide insight and expertise when discussing mental health topics in the classroom. You do NOT have to, and you shouldn’t, carry this work alone.
9. Continual Assessment and Adaptation
Mental health is an evolving topic, and your students’ needs may change over time. Continually assess the impact of the curriculum and be prepared to adapt as necessary. Seek feedback from your students to understand what is working well and what might need adjustment.
10. Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month is in May, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate what your students have learned from these lessons. Consider organizing events, projects, or discussions related to mental health during this month to reinforce the curriculum’s teachings.
You can do this!
Erika’s Lighthouse provides a well-structured and research-based approach to addressing mental health topics in the classroom. By following these steps, you can create a safe and open environment, incorporate the curriculum effectively, and empower your students with essential knowledge about mental health.
Remember, your efforts in supporting your students’ mental well-being can have a profound and lasting impact. Erika’s Lighthouse is a valuable resource that can help you guide your students towards better mental health and a brighter future.
