5 Ways to Improve Wellbeing in the Classroom

As educators in 2024, it is crucial to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of students and pupils. By creating a supportive and nurturing classroom environment and adopting a whole school approach, teachers can help students develop the resilience and coping skills they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

In this article, we will explore five evidence-based strategies for improving wellbeing and mental health in the classroom and share practical tips for implementing a classroom wellbeing toolkit.

1. Foster Positive Relationships

Building strong, positive relationships between children and young people and school staff is the foundation of a mentally healthy school environment. When students feel connected and supported by their educators, they are more likely to engage in learning, develop self-efficacy, and cope with challenges. 

Some ways to foster positive relationships and improve students’ ways of thinking include:

• Showing genuine interest in pupils’ lives and experiences
• Creating opportunities for positive interactions and collaboration
• Providing empathetic and non-judgmental support
  

By focusing on building positive relationships, educators can create a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere that promotes the mental health and wellbeing of all children and young people.

2. Incorporate Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques have been shown to reduce stress in not only young people but also promote health and happiness within educational settings. By incorporating these practices into the classroom routine, educators can help students develop valuable coping skills, enhance their overall mental health, and encourage a sense of meaning and happiness. Fostering positive emotions through mindfulness and relaxation can contribute to a more supportive and nurturing school environment that prioritises wellbeing. Some simple techniques to try include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Guided visualisations
• Body scans and progressive muscle relaxation
  

By making mindfulness and relaxation a regular part of the classroom experience, educators can help students cultivate a greater sense of emotional well-being and resilience, setting the stage for improved mental health and academic success.

3. Promote Physical Activity and Movement

Physical activity is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing at school. By encouraging movement and exercise in school settings, educators can help students release stress, boost mood, and improve focus, contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of everyone in the school community. 

Incorporating physical activity also provides opportunities for social and emotional learning, as students and staff engage in shared experiences and collaborate in new ways. Some ways to incorporate physical activity include:

• Brain breaks and movement activities
• Outdoor learning experiences
• Classroom yoga or stretching sessions
  

By making physical activity a regular part of the school day, educators can create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment that supports the holistic wellbeing of all students and staff.

4. Encourage Healthy Habits and Self-Care

Teaching students the importance of self-care and healthy habits can have a lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing. By modelling and promoting healthy behaviours, educators can help promote and support mental health, enabling young people to develop the skills they need to manage stress and maintain emotional balance. 

Encouraging healthy habits also fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, strengthening relationships with others within the school community. Some key habits to encourage include:

• Healthy eating and hydration
• Regular sleep routines
• Limiting screen time and social media use
  

By prioritising self-care and healthy habits, educators can empower students to take an active role in their own wellbeing, setting the stage for long-term mental health and resilience.

5. Create a Supportive and Inclusive Classroom Culture

A positive and inclusive classroom culture is essential for promoting student wellbeing in schools. When students feel valued, respected, and supported by their peers and teachers, they are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally, contributing to their overall positive mental health. 

Creating a supportive classroom environment is crucial for fostering good mental health and wellbeing among students in schools across the country. Some strategies for creating a supportive classroom culture include:

• Establishing clear expectations and norms for respectful behaviour
• Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion
• Providing opportunities for student voice and choice
  

By prioritising a supportive and inclusive classroom culture, educators can create a foundation for wellbeing in schools, enabling students to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for long-term success and positive mental health.

The Benefits of Prioritising Well-Being in Schools

Investing in student wellbeing has numerous benefits for both individual students and the school community as a whole. When students feel supported and have the tools to manage their mental health, they are more likely to:

• Engage in learning and achieve academic success
• Develop positive relationships with peers and adults
• Demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges
• Contribute to a positive school climate
  

By prioritising wellbeing, schools can reduce the risk of mental health problems, improve attendance and behaviour, and create a more positive and productive learning environment for all.

Promoting well-being in the classroom is essential for supporting the mental health and academic success of students. By implementing the five strategies outlined above and developing a classroom wellbeing toolkit, educators can create a supportive and nurturing environment that helps students thrive in 2024/25 and beyond. 

With the right resources and approach, we can unlock the potential of every student and foster a culture of wellbeing in our schools.

Penstripe has provided learning and wellbeing content in student planners for well over 30 years.  To review how your student’s planners can support all-year-round conversations about mental health, please visit our Student Planners page.