19 February 2024
Introduction: As a special school teacher, navigating the challenges of supporting upset children in special education needs (SEN) schools requires specialized strategies and a compassionate approach. Here are seven effective approaches to help calm upset children in SEN schools and create a supportive learning environment.
Establish a Safe Space: Create a designated safe area within the classroom where upset children can retreat to when they need to calm down. As a special school teacher, ensure this space is tailored to meet the sensory needs of children with special needs, with soft pillows, weighted blankets, or fidget toys readily available.
Validate Feelings: Acknowledge the child’s emotions and let them know that it’s okay to feel upset. As a special school teacher, use empathetic statements such as, “I can see that you’re feeling frustrated right now,” to validate their feelings and reassure them that you’re there to help.
Encourage Self-Regulation Techniques: Teach children self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation. Practice these techniques together during calm moments so that children can use them independently when they’re feeling upset.
Use Visual Supports: Utilise visual supports such as visual schedules, emotion cards, or social stories to help upset children understand and communicate their feelings. As a special school teacher, incorporate visual supports into daily routines to provide a sense of predictability and structure.
Offer Choices: Empower upset children by offering them choices to help regain a sense of control. As a special school teacher, present simple options such as, “Would you like to take a break or talk about what’s bothering you?” Allowing children to make choices can help them feel more empowered and reduce their anxiety.
Implement Sensory Strategies: Incorporate sensory strategies into the classroom environment to help regulate children’s emotions. Provide sensory tools like stress balls, chewable jewelry, or sensory bins filled with textured materials. As a special school teacher, observe and adapt sensory strategies to meet the unique needs of each child.
Collaborate with Support Team: Work closely with the school’s support team, including special education teachers, counselors, and therapists, to develop individualized plans for supporting upset children. As a special school teacher, collaborate on strategies, share insights, and seek guidance to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to meeting the child’s needs.
Conclusion: As a special school teacher, supporting upset children in special education needs schools requires patience, empathy, and specialized techniques. By establishing safe spaces, validating feelings, teaching self-regulation techniques, using visual supports, offering choices, implementing sensory strategies, and collaborating with the support team, special school teachers can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all children can thrive.