Lesson 8: Mental and Emotional Health Attention
Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able
Teaching Read Chapter 15 SN&H As we have discussed in previous lessons, Maslow’s theory says we need to have emotional security before we can achieve our highest potential. This is true for both children and adults. It is easy to overlook children’s mental health, since it seems as though they have very little stress, but that’s not always true. Children are always watching the adults around them and even if they cannot verbally convey their feelings, they may be taking on the emotional feelings of their role models. Environmental Factors that contribute to child stress are:
(Text pg 530) A study on Adverse Childhood Experiences (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_Childhood_Experiences_Study) reports that children who experienced high levels of negative stressors in their early years had higher rates of health problems as adults, both mental and physical and even some that led to early death. Here is more information from the CDC about this study: (https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about_ace.html) The good news is that we can help children develop resiliency and coping skills. The single biggest factor for potential success is if the child can have a secure bond with at least one adult in his life. That’s one adult who can encourage him, help him feel safe, support him even when he has negative behavior, show affection, and just care about him. This is why it is important to establish a secure emotional environment. Part of this process is teaching pro social behaviors and conflict resolution processes. Children are learning how to be together in groups and they may not have the correct words or approaches to handling difficult social situations. Teachers who encourage students to work as team members and use pleasant words to solve problems are helping children develop self esteem. Caregivers should avoid negative phrases and punitive punishments. The goal is to encourage children to do well by providing them with the opportunities to be successful. Studies show that children in high quality early childhood settings are less likely to be depressed as adults. Teachers can provide safe environments by creating consistent routines and opportunities to express emotions. Providers should use kind words and have positive interactions with staff, children and families. When a teacher recognizes red flags of behavior, such as aggression, inappropriate attachments, overstimulation, hypersensitivity, frequent temper tantrums, anxiety or withdrawing from activity, she should follow up. This would start with a conversation with the parent and perhaps outside intervention will be needed. Psychologists and behavioral health specialists can complete mental health screenings to determine if the child needs treatment or extra support. Working with families is a valuable piece of this work. Teachers should have regular communication with parents and should encourage them to share information about their child with you. Parents are the child’s first teacher. They know their child better than anyone else. They may be able to share information with you to help you provide the student with the proper support. Teachers should encourage families to share cultural and family values and those values should be respected in the classroom. Establishing a trusting bond with families is a key to successful care for children. NAEYC (http://www.naeyc.org/blogs/2014/04/caring-for-every-childs-mental-health) Assessment Lesson 8 Quiz Lesson Quizzes will consist of material from the lesson, the discussions, and from assigned reading. Questions will be True/False, Multiple Choice, and Short Answer. Be sure to review all the Lesson and Reading material prior to starting this quiz. Lesson 8 Discussion Carl has been acting differently at school lately. He hasn’t been eating his lunch. He has been short tempered and has shied away from playing with the other kids. He doesn’t appear to be physically ill. Discuss what should be done. What should you say to the parents? Explain your answers and critique each others' views.
|